What techniques best facilitate mastering polysemantic and emotional words at C1

To master polysemantic (polysemous) and emotional words effectively at the C1 proficiency level, a combination of targeted vocabulary learning techniques is recommended:

1. Semantic Mapping and Fields
   Use semantic mapping techniques to organize and relate different meanings of polysemantic words systematically. This helps in understanding the various senses of a word through visualizing connections and metaphorical uses. Semantic field theory aids in grouping related meanings, which supports better retention and comprehension of polysemy. ^{1, 2}

2. Contextual Learning
   Focus on learning words within rich contexts rather than in isolation. Encountering polysemous and emotional words in different contexts (e.g., academic texts, conversations, literature) enhances the ability to distinguish their various meanings and emotional nuances. Contextual clues and repeated exposure in authentic settings are crucial. ^{3, 4}

3. Cognitive and Conceptual Metaphor Awareness
   Understanding metaphorical and metonymic extensions of words supports grasping polysemous meanings. Cognitive linguistics approaches emphasize recognizing conceptual metaphors underlying emotional and multi-meaning words, which helps in deeper semantic learning and usage. ^{5, 6}

4. Integrative and Multi-Sensory Techniques
   Employ integrated teaching approaches involving multiple intelligences—such as auditory, visual, and experiential learning—to deepen emotional word mastery. For instance, associating emotional words with images, personal experiences, or expressive practice enhances memory and emotional connection. ^{7, 8, 9}

5. Active Use and Production
   Practice using polysemantic and emotional words actively in speaking and writing, especially in varied meanings and emotional registers. Productive use solidifies understanding beyond recognition, moving toward mastery.

6. Mnemonic and Associative Strategies
   Although mnemonic keyword methods are often less preferred at advanced levels, associating new meanings with known concepts, experiences, or mental images can support retention, particularly for emotional words that have strong personal resonance. ^{10, 11}

7. Focused Semantic Categorization Tasks
   Engaging in tasks that require categorizing words by their senses or emotional tone fosters deeper processing and helps learners internalize subtle distinctions between word meanings. ¹²

By combining these approaches, C1 learners can systematically build nuanced understanding and flexible use of polysemantic and emotional vocabulary, which are critical for advanced communicative competence.

If desired, I can also provide practical examples or exercises to apply these techniques.

References

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• Escalating Students’ Vocabulary Through Semantic Mapping Learning Model

• Completing the English Vocabulary Profile : C1 and C2 vocabulary

• Game-Enhanced Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition Strategies: A Systematic Review

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• The Mental Representation of Polysemy across Word Classes

• Enhancing English Vocabulary Acquisition Through Integrated Teaching Approaches

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• Vocabulary Acquisition through Direct and Indirect Learning Strategies.

• Understanding vocabulary acquisition, instruction, and assessment: A research agenda

• Contextual modulation of language comprehension in a dynamic neural model of lexical meaning

• Construction and improvement of English vocabulary learning model integrating spiking neural network and convolutional long short-term memory algorithm

• English Vocabulary Teaching Techniques at Junior Middle Schools

• The Application Of Word Webbing Technique In Improving Students’ Achievement In Vocabulary At Mts Muhammadiyah 15 Medan