Learning Vocabulary in Another Language provides a detailed survey of research and theory on the teaching and learning of vocabulary with the aim of providing pedagogical suggestions for both teachers and learners. It contains descriptions of numerous vocabulary learning strategies which are justified and supported by reference to experimental research, case studies, and teaching experience. It also describes what vocabulary learners need to know to be effective language users. Learning Vocabulary in Another Language shows that by taking a systematic approach to vocabulary learning, teachers can make the best use of class time and help learners get the best return for their learning effort. It will quickly establish itself as the point of reference for future vocabulary work.
Paul Nation is Emeritus Professor in Applied Linguistics at the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (LALS) at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His specialist interests are language teaching methodology and vocabulary learning. He supervises PhD research on vocabulary. He has taught in Indonesia, Thailand, the United States, Finland and Japan.
An exhaustive, research-based, yet highly readable examination of vocabulary learning. Nation makes strong recommendations that the reader may or may not agree with, but backs it all up and leaves one convinced of most of his principles and approaches. A more practically-oriented version (in a much shorter book) of some of his ideas can be found in the 2008 "Teaching Vocabulary: Strategies and Techniques."
It is a teacher's research/reference book for teaching second language vocabulary. It is not a book for the learner of a second language, which I blame my own lack of understanding of its usage. (Just for the reference of future)