Lexical Load in Class X English Textbooks: A Corpus-Based Comparative Analysis
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English, in Pakistan, is taught since grade 1, yet the acquisition of receptive and productive skills in English language by Pakistani language learners remains questionable. The lack of vocabulary is a major factor as vocabulary is crucial for communication. In Pakistan, textbooks are the only source of vocabulary exposure for students. Keeping in view the importance of textbooks, this corpus-based research was conducted to know and compare the lexical load of Class X textbooks that are developed, published and distributed in public schools by the four textbook boards. These textbooks were evaluated on the basis of three parameters, namely the frequency of types and tokens present in textbooks and type-token ratio, the percentage of GSL/AWL covered, and the levels of BNC-COCA 25 present. The coverage of GSL/AWL lists for GSL_2nd_1000 and AWL750 was alarming. Most of the vocabulary present in these textbooks habituated first three levels of BNC-COCA 25 but rest of the levels had no or minor presentation. The results showed that these textbooks do not fulfill the needs of students as the amount of vocabulary included does not meet the internationally defined standards for vocabulary. Hence, vocabulary should be extended and distributed as per the standards.
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