Age and gender influences on productive vocabulary expansion: Evidence from Moroccan middle school EFL learners

Soufiane CHERKAOUI; Hanane EL AISSI

doi:10.32674/ddw9xn59

Authors

Soufiane Cherkaoui Laboratory for Studies on Resources, Mobility and Attractiveness, Faculty of Letters & Humanities, Cadi Ayyad University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6131-1007
Hanane EL Aissi Laboratory for Studies on Resources, Mobility and Attractiveness, Faculty of Letters & Humanities, Cadi Ayyad University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/ddw9xn59

Keywords:

Age group, gender disparities, middle school, productive vocabulary expansion, English as a Foreign Language

Abstract

Lexical knowledge plays a crucial role in developing spoken and written proficiency in foreign language learning. This process of word acquisition is determined by several key factors, including age and gender. Previous accounts on age- and gender-related influences on productive vocabulary expansion have paid scant attention to middle school EFL learners. This study investigates whether there are age- and gender-oriented disparities in the pace of productive vocabulary expansion among 8th- and 9th-grade Moroccan EFL students. Both age groups were introduced to English for the first time as the Moroccan Ministry of Education expanded English instruction across all middle school grade levels. Both stratified and convenience sampling are combined in this inquiry. Drawing on a quantitative approach, the data were gathered through the Lexical Availability Test (LAT). This test compared students’ gains over an equivalent period with the same amount of exposure. Two separate one-way ANOVA tests were performed, and the results demonstrated significant age and gender variances in the pace of vocabulary expansion among 8th- and 9th-graders in terms of vocabulary size, spelling accuracy, and lexical complexity. This study established theoretical and pedagogical implications that enrich the discourse on SLA, age, gender, and the pace of vocabulary development among adolescents.

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