Abstract

Vocabulary learning has received considerable attention from reading comprehension input in second language acquisition research. However, a little is known about vocabulary gains from listening comprehension input. This paper aims to review L2 vocabulary gains from listening comprehension input in comparison to reading comprehension and reading while listening comprehension activities. We search for the terms “vocabulary learning”, “vocabulary acquisition”, and “listening comprehension” in several international databases to elicit target studies. The target studies have been reviewed in terms of focus, methodology employed, L2 environment, type of participants, and findings. Results of the review found that vocabulary acquisition from listening comprehension input was significant—though less than reading input—for long run and could be stored in long term memory. Therefore, it could be retrieved more easily than vocabulary from reading comprehension input. Recommendations and suggestions for future research have been given at the end of the article.

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