What principle related to vocabulary acquisition is demonstrated by having students create a thesaurus with both formal and informal words?

The principle related to vocabulary acquisition demonstrated by having students create a thesaurus that includes both formal and informal words is that associating new or unfamiliar words with words from their own cultural and family backgrounds promotes vocabulary development. This approach acknowledges the importance of students' existing knowledge and experiences in learning new vocabulary.

By allowing students to include informal words, the activity connects their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds to their learning, making the process relevant and meaningful. This strategy can enhance retention and understanding of new vocabulary as students are more likely to remember words that relate to their lives. It encourages engagement and fosters a deeper connection to both the formal vocabulary they are learning and their own language use.

This method also recognizes that language is diverse and that students’ linguistic backgrounds can enrich their vocabulary acquisition process. Making connections between familiar informal language and the more formal academic vocabulary boosts students’ confidence and helps them to navigate different contexts in which they may use language.