The Effect of ESL Podcasts on EFL Learners' Vocabulary Knowledge in the Context of Iran

Vocabulary as an inseparable component of language learning needs to be extensively developed. Research studies have suggested that listening to meaningful and authentic input exerts a significant influence on vocabulary learning. In spite of a large number of studies investigating the development of the vocabulary size through listening, exploring the effect of ESL podcasts (Podesl.com) has received scant attention.Regarding the fact that vocabulary plays a pivotal role in the communication of EFL learners (AL_Dersi, ۲۰۱۳; Belisle, ۱۹۹۷) and there is no doubt that learning vocabulary is a key factor for language mastery (Schmitt, ۲۰۰۸). Vocabulary knowledge is a prerequisite for listening comprehension and listening can serve as a useful source for vocabulary acquisition. Language learners with high ability in listening skills are successful in a communication interaction, also they can speak, write, and read by listening to others (Brown, ۲۰۰۸; Lin,۲۰۰۱). Listening improves learners speaking and their understanding of language. Hence, academic listening has an effect on vocabulary knowledge and use as a vocabulary learning source (Vidal, ۲۰۰۳). Research studies on podcasts have already acknowledged its potentiality in vocabulary learning and have documented evidence that podcasts would greatly help develop EFL learners' vocabulary size. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of ESL podcasts on the vocabulary size of EFL learners. The participants were ۱۱۰ upper-intermediate EFL learners. Learners' vocabulary size was found to be strongly associated with their listening abilities. However, vocabulary knowledge could explain a significant portion of the variance in the listening scores. Finally, suggestions for future research were offered

کلیدواژه ها:

ESL Podcasts ، Listening ، Vocabulary Knowledge