Issues in the vocabulary, Problems, or obstacles. Learner learn English as a second language. Learners are High school students faces difficulties in acquiring sufficient vocab.
Phonetic and Phonological Differences: Pronunciation of English words can be particularly challenging for learners whose first language has very different phonetic and phonological systems. English's wide range of sounds and the often weak correlation between spelling and pronunciation can lead to difficulties in both speaking and listening comprehension.
Vocabulary Size and Depth: English has a vast lexicon, and learners often find it daunting to acquire an adequate size and depth of vocabulary. Depth of vocabulary refers to how well a word is understood, including its connotations, collocations, and grammatical usage, which is essential for effective communication.
Polysemy and Homonyms: English has many words that have multiple meanings (polysemy) and words that sound the same but have different meanings (homonyms). This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in both spoken and written communication.
Cultural and Contextual Nuances: Many English words and phrases carry cultural connotations and contextual meanings that can be difficult for L2 learners to grasp. Without understanding these subtleties, learners may use words inappropriately or fail to comprehend texts fully.
False Friends: Words that look or sound similar in the learner’s first language and English but have different meanings can lead to errors. These false cognates can mislead learners into making incorrect assumptions about the meanings of words.
Idiomatic Expressions: English is rich in idioms, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions that often don't translate literally into other languages. Learning these expressions and using them appropriately in context can be a significant hurdle for L2 learners.
Lack of Exposure and Practice: Sufficient exposure to the target language and opportunities for practice are crucial for vocabulary acquisition. Learners who are not in an English-speaking environment may struggle to find opportunities to encounter new vocabulary in context and use it in meaningful communication.
Learning Strategies: Effective vocabulary learning strategies may not be innate to all learners. Some may rely heavily on rote memorization, which is less effective for long-term retention or functional use of vocabulary compared to strategies that involve deep processing, such as using words in sentences or associating them with images or concepts.
Motivation and Attitude: Learners’ motivation and attitudes towards learning English can significantly impact their vocabulary acquisition. Negative experiences or lack of perceived relevance can diminish motivation, making vocabulary learning more challenging.
Interference from the First Language: L1 interference can lead to errors in vocabulary usage, including direct translations that may not be appropriate in English, or the application of L1 grammar rules to English words, affecting learners' ability to use vocabulary accurately.
I think the lack of good vocabulary and lack of confidence in grammatical correctness are two most hindering issues for new language learners. Besides, L1 interference and peer pressure are two other big problems for students.