The Role of Authentic Materials in Enhancing Lexical Resources
Abstract
This article examines the role of authentic materials in enhancing lexical resources in second language acquisition. Based on a review of international studies, it analyzes how authentic texts, audio, and multimodal resources support vocabulary development. The findings show that exposure to real-life language significantly improves both receptive and productive vocabulary. Authentic materials provide contextualized input, foster deeper lexical processing, and facilitate the acquisition of collocations, idioms, and various registers. They also increase learner motivation and promote autonomy. However, challenges such as linguistic complexity and the need for pedagogical support are noted. The study concludes that carefully selected and properly integrated authentic materials effectively expand learners’ lexical breadth and depth.