"Summary Books EFL Teaching Methodology | Chapter 7 : Lexical Approach"

The Lexical Approach, developed primarily by Michael Lewis in the early 1990s, represents a shift in language teaching from a grammar-focused approach to one centered on vocabulary and multi-word units known as "lexical chunks." In this approach, vocabulary becomes the foundation of language, with the belief that effective communication relies on understanding and using phrases and word combinations rather than on mastering grammatical rules. The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of acquiring "lexical chunks" — fixed phrases, collocations, and idioms that are commonly used by native speakers. The goal is for learners to achieve fluency through familiarity with these chunks, allowing them to communicate more naturally and fluidly.

Core Principles of the Lexical Approach

1. Primacy of Lexical Units Over Grammar:

   • In the Lexical Approach, lexical units, such as phrases and collocations, are the building blocks of language. Instead of centering instruction on grammar, this approach asserts that grammar and structure are absorbed more effectively when integrated into vocabulary learning. For example, learners would encounter the phrase "I’m looking forward to it" as a complete lexical unit rather than dissecting each word and the grammatical rules governing them.

2. Focus on Meaningful Language Use:

   • The Lexical Approach prioritizes vocabulary that is practical and can be used in everyday scenarios, allowing students to apply what they learn directly to real-life situations. By focusing on words and phrases used frequently by native speakers, learners gain the tools to navigate common interactions in the target language.

3. Formulaic Sequences and Collocations:

   • The approach emphasizes the importance of teaching formulaic sequences — phrases that occur frequently and convey meaning as a whole. Examples include "make a decision," "take a break," and "on the other hand." Mastering these sequences helps learners to sound more fluent and reduces the need for them to construct sentences from scratch.

4. Natural Integration of Grammar:

   • While vocabulary takes precedence, grammar is not entirely ignored. Instead, grammar emerges naturally as learners encounter lexical chunks in context. For example, learners pick up on how certain collocations work grammatically, such as “take responsibility” versus “make a decision,” without explicit instruction on the rules. This focus on natural usage promotes intuitive understanding.

5. Language Awareness and Noticing:

   • The approach emphasizes the process of "noticing," where learners are encouraged to observe how language is used naturally in various contexts. This helps them to identify patterns in word combinations and develop a deeper understanding of vocabulary usage. By seeing phrases in multiple situations, learners build an awareness of nuance and appropriateness.

Objectives of the Lexical Approach

The primary objectives of the Lexical Approach are to expand the learners' vocabulary knowledge and enable them to communicate more fluidly. Through exposure to lexical chunks, learners can:

1. Enhance Oral and Written Proficiency:

   • By internalizing commonly used phrases and expressions, learners develop fluency in speaking and writing, allowing them to communicate naturally and spontaneously.

2. Facilitate Real-World Comprehension and Production:

   • As learners acquire and practice phrases used by native speakers, they become better equipped to understand authentic language in spoken and written form, such as in movies, articles, and conversations.

3. Promote Independent Learning:

   • The approach encourages students to take an active role in expanding their vocabulary outside the classroom. Learners are prompted to observe, note, and experiment with new phrases in everyday interactions, fostering lifelong learning habits.

4. Develop Intuitive Grammatical Competence:

   • The approach implicitly builds learners’ grammatical understanding, helping them to use phrases correctly within sentences. This reinforces grammatical accuracy without the need for explicit grammar instruction​.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lexical Approach

Advantages:

• Fluency and Confidence: By emphasizing common phrases, students build confidence as they can communicate more effectively and sound more natural.
• Practicality and Relevance: Because the vocabulary taught is useful in everyday interactions, students can immediately apply what they learn, enhancing motivation and engagement.
• Autonomy and Self-Learning: The Lexical Approach encourages students to seek out new phrases in authentic contexts, such as media, conversations, and reading materials, fostering a habit of self-directed learning.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Focus on Grammar: For some learners, especially those who benefit from a structured understanding of grammar, the reduced focus on explicit grammar instruction may lead to frustration or gaps in knowledge.
• Challenges in Material Development: Creating materials and resources specifically aligned with the Lexical Approach can be time-consuming, as it requires selecting and organizing content that presents vocabulary in meaningful, contextual ways.
• Potential Overemphasis on Vocabulary: For some students, the heavy focus on vocabulary might not provide sufficient grammatical framework, leading to an incomplete understanding of language structure​ aching Steps in the Lexical Approach

1. Initial Planning and Selection of Lexical Content:

   • Teachers carefully select vocabulary items, phrases, and materials that are relevant to the learners’ needs and contexts. Texts rich in useful lexical items (e.g., idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations) are chosen to provide a foundation for learning. Teachers may choose dialogues, articles, or media that reflect the natural use of language.

2. Awareness-Raising and Noticing:

   • Learners are encouraged to focus on lexical chunks rather than isolated words. Teachers can facilitate this through exercises that draw attention to common phrases and patterns within a text. For example, learners might underline or highlight collocations in a reading passage to increase awareness of natural language patterns.

3. Exposure to Lexical Chunks in Context:

   • Using authentic materials, learners see vocabulary used naturally within dialogues, narratives, or articles. This exposure helps them understand the meaning and function of lexical chunks and phrases in real-life contexts.

4. Guided Practice and Exploration:

   • Teachers create exercises where students actively use target lexical items. For instance, students may practice forming sentences or dialogues using selected phrases, allowing them to apply and reinforce new vocabulary.

5. Incorporating Focused Listening and Reading Activities:

   • Listening and reading activities expose students to vocabulary in diverse contexts. Teachers can use audio clips, podcasts, or video materials to present language naturally, and students can complete tasks that require them to recognize and comprehend the target phrases.

6. Reviewing and Recycling Vocabulary:

   • Vocabulary is regularly revisited to ensure retention. Activities such as storytelling, written reflections, or conversation practice reinforce learned phrases, helping to transition vocabulary from short-term to long-term memory.

7. Feedback and Reflective Assessment:

   • Teachers provide feedback on students’ use of vocabulary, offering suggestions on word choice and collocation accuracy. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their progress, helping them to internalize new language patterns and identify areas for further improvement .

th the Lexical Approach

Various activities can help learners acquire and reinforce lexical chunks:

• Phrase Cards and Flashcards:

  • Teachers or students create cards with phrases or collocations, allowing learners to practice and recall phrases frequently.

• Collocation and Phrase Matching Exercises:

  • Students work with puzzles or matching games that involve pairing words commonly found together, such as “make a decision” or “do homework.”

• Lexical Storytelling:

  • Learners create short stories using a set of target phrases or idiomatic expressions, helping them understand how words function together within a larger context.

• Role-Playing and Simulated Conversations:

  • Engaging in role-plays using target vocabulary allows students to practice phrases in realistic situations. For example, students might simulate ordering food at a restaurant or giving directions, integrating vocabulary they have learned.

• Listening for Lexical Chunks:

  • Teachers play audio or video clips with a focus on identifying and noting key phrases, encouraging learners to pay attention to how words are combined in speech.

• Phrase-Based Writing Exercises:

  • Students write sentences or short paragraphs using target phrases, which helps reinforce vocabulary in a way that emphasizes structure and collocation usage.

Conclusion

The Lexical Approach redefines language learning by putting vocabulary acquisition at the forefront. By prioritizing real-life phrases, collocations, and formulaic language, it enables learners to speak and understand language as it is naturally used. While it offers significant benefits in developing fluency and confidence, it also requires a thoughtful approach to material selection and classroom instruction. For learners who thrive with a focus on functional vocabulary and communication, the Lexical Approach is highly effective, fostering independence and practical language skills that are immediately applicable. However, for learners who need more structured grammar instruction, integrating grammar-focused activities alongside the Lexical Approach can offer a more balanced language learning experience.

Fadhly, F. Z. (2023). EFL Teaching Methodology, Edukasi Inti Cemerlang..