Vocabulary Learning Strategies Used by Learners of Arabic as a Foreign Language in the University of Islamic Sciences in Malaysia and their Beliefs about Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

This study investigates the vocabulary learning strategies of
undergraduate Malaysian learners of Arabic as a foreign language
(AFL) in terms of frequency of use and beliefs. A total of 67 first year
learners of Arabic in the University of Islamic Sciences responded to
a questionnaire composed of two main themes– strategies (45 items)
and beliefs (20 items). The findings revealed that Malaysian AFL
learners use vocabulary learning strategies at approximately the same
level of frequency. However, it was found that dictionary related
strategies were used more frequently in contrast to other strategies,
namely, note taking, memorization, and guessing, which was the least
usually used strategy. Furthermore, Malaysian AFL learners
generally agree on the importance of using different approaches in
manipulating and learning Arabic vocabulary.