Whether you only speak one language or you speak multiple, you have an active and a passive vocabulary.
What is an Active Vocabulary?
An Active vocabulary contains those words that a person can use in his or her speech and writing. You know the meaning of those words accurately. Active vocabulary refers to the productive side of language. It contains the words that a person can use confidently because he or she understands its meaning and application.
Active vocabulary of a language calls for:
- The use of right word in right place.
- The spontaneous recall of words.
- Grammatical accuracy i.e., use of correct tenses, inflections and word order.
- In speech, fluency and ability to reproduce correct sounds, pronunciation, intonation, rhythm etc.
What is a Passive Vocabulary ?
Passive Vocabulary contains those words, the meaning of which can be understood when derived from the speech or writing of others but which we cannot use in our speech and writing because we cannot fully comprehend it. In the words used, the person does not know the exact meaning of the word and does not use those words in speech. Sometimes he can understand the meaning of that word only to a certain degree depending on the competition.
Passive vocabulary calls for:
- A recognition of vocabulary in speech or writing.
- An acquaintance with major grammatical items or forms.
- The skill of stimulating rapidly the sense of large word groups.
The teacher can use a variety of new techniques at his or her discretion while teaching vocabulary. Word teaching will not be effective until the teacher creates a comfortable atmosphere in the classroom.
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