Abstract：Since the 1970s, vocabulary learning has gradually attracted continuous attention from researchers. And among the massive researches, many scholars have shifted their attention to the modality effects on second language vocabulary learning as learners have more access to materials like images, video, audio and captions due to the introduction of multimedia into teaching activity. However, scholars have not reached a consensus on the issue of modality effects on L2 vocabulary learning. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review recent studies into multimodality effects on L2 vocabulary acquisition, illustrate different results concerning the diversified effects of visual modality, audio modality and a combination of both modality on L2 vocabulary acquisition and compare related data so as to explore the reasons of these disparity and limitations of each investigations. Finally, based on previous review, this study proposes some possible future directions in this field.

Keywords: L2 vocabulary acquisition; visual modality; audio modality; visual and audio modality

Contents

摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 What Modality Affects More on Second Language Vocabulary Learning?-3

2.1 Auditory Modality-3

2.2 Visual Modality-4

2.3 Visual and Auditory Modality-5

Chapter 3 Data Analysis-7

3.1 Introduction-7

3.2 Comparative Analysis of Data-7

Chapter 4  Reasons of Inconclusive Findings-11

4.1 Language Proficiency of the Subjects-11

4.2 Sample Size-11

4.3 The Language Family of Learner’ First and Second language-12

4.4 The Learning Style of Experimental Subjects-12

4.5 The Objects of Learning-12

4.6 The Differences in Task Designs-13

4.7 Assessment Instruments-14

4.8 Summary-14

Chapter 5  Future Directions-17

References-19

Acknowledgements-21