Vocabulary recognition, English loan words and English learners

As the number of English loan words has increased in the Japanese language, the socio-linguistic and educational issues of loan words have become important in English vocabulary acquisition. The present study examined Japanese adult English learners' (five homemakers and five ESL students) perceptions and attitudes towards English loan words by using the matched guise technique. The study also investigated the comprehension and error patterns related to loan words in English vocabulary learning. Moreover, the study examined EFL teachers' views and attitudes towards loan words and English teaching in Japanese secondary schools. The study found that homemakers and ESL students perceived and used loan words differently and their error patterns were related to the types of loan words. The study also found that English learners' knowledge of loan words helps them improve their English vocabulary skills. Although EFL teachers knew this, they had difficulty introducing this knowledge into their classrooms.