JOURNAL ARTICLE

Vocabulary size estimates for Lithuanian native speakers: Is it possible to talk about L1 vocabulary size cross-linguistically?

  • Published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2023, v. 174, n. 2. P. 177 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Vilkaitė-Lozdienė, Laura; Vilkienė, Loreta 3 of 3

Abstract

The vocabulary size estimates suggested for native speakers used to vary considerably. More recently, researchers using Yes/No tests reported numbers that are much closer together. This article seeks to answer the question of whether we can give an estimate of an adult native speaker's vocabulary size without specifying a language. First, it presents the estimate for a native speaker's vocabulary size in Lithuanian and explores its variation depending on the person's age (ranging from 16 to 71 years old), place of residence, their reading for pleasure habits, and gender. Then it compares this estimate to the ones suggested for German, English, and Dutch native speakers. The analysis suggests that the estimates for different languages, at least the ones based on empirical data rather than statistical predictions, do not differ considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics. 2023/07, Vol. 174, Issue 2, p177
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Language and Linguistics
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0019-0829
  • DOI:10.1075/itl.22005.vil
  • Accession Number:172413790
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics is the property of John Benjamins Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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