How does vocabulary development differ at C1 level in Spanish

At the C1 level in Spanish, vocabulary development differs from lower levels primarily in terms of the depth, diversity, and complexity of lexical knowledge. Learners at this advanced stage demonstrate:

• Greater lexical diversity and sophistication: At C1, learners use a wider range of nouns, including abstract and concrete terms, and show increased lexical richness compared to intermediate levels. They can produce more complex noun phrases and exhibit more nuanced vocabulary use.

• Enhanced derivational knowledge: C1 learners understand and can use derivational morphology (prefixes and suffixes) better, enabling them to recognize and create related words, thus expanding their vocabulary beyond basic monomorphemic words.

• Stronger receptive and productive vocabulary: They have a larger receptive vocabulary (words they can recognize and understand) and more active control of vocabulary for productive use (speaking and writing), including less frequent and more specialized words.

• Improved ability to capture fine-grained lexical distinctions: Advanced learners can grasp subtle distinctions between near-synonyms or regional variations, such as knowing when to use different Spanish words for similar concepts depending on context.

• Development influenced by factors like exposure and engagement: Techniques like gamification have been shown to enhance vocabulary acquisition at B2/C1 levels by increasing motivation and learner autonomy.

Overall, vocabulary development at C1 level is characterized by qualitative growth toward more complex, accurate, and contextually appropriate language use with enhanced lexical sophistication and structural knowledge of words beyond mere quantity of vocabulary known. This stage marks a shift from simple vocabulary accumulation to mastering nuanced vocabulary use in sophisticated communication.

References

• The Development and Initial Validation of O-WSVLT, a Meaning-Recall Online L2 Spanish Vocabulary Levels Test

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• Using Quizlet and Brain Quiz in ESP virtual classroom at technical university (CEFR level B2/C1)

• The Influence of Risk Factors on Preschoolers’ Spanish Vocabulary Development in the Context of Spanish Instruction

• Investigating the impact of a semester-long study abroad program on L2 reading and vocabulary development

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• Analyzing the relationship and development of proficiency, derivational knowledge, and vocabulary size in Spanish L2 learners

• Development of the Turkish Author Recognition Task (TART) and the Turkish Vocabulary Size Test (TurVoST)

• L2 reading and vocabulary development after a short Study Abroad experience

• Idiosyncratic Development of Receptive and Free Active Vocabulary

• Maximising Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition in Spanish as a Foreign Language

• When is Wall a Pared and when a Muro?: Extracting Rules Governing Lexical Selection

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• Cognate beginnings to bilingual lexical acquisition

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