A Review of Methods in Identifying Technical Words

Abstract

Vocabulary is crucial for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in English learning.  In the same vein, specific or technical vocabulary significantly affects EFL learners’ language comprehension in a particular field. The purposes of this article are thus intended to reveal methods employed in identifying technical words and examine the most promising method. Five methods that are investigated in this study are, a technical dictionary, use of context clues, a computer-based approach, a rating scale, and a combined method. Benefits of technical words toward EFL learners and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teachers are also discussed.