The functional role of mental lexicon in language learning

Abstract

The mental lexicon plays a pivotal role in language acquisition, serving as the internal system where words are stored, accessed and connected. Strengthening lexical networks through techniques such as semantic mapping, learning in context, and repetition can significantly improve retrieval efficiency and overall language proficiency. This paper investigates how the mental lexicon is structured in native Kazakh speakers, examines its role in the language learning process, and proposes strategies to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Drawing upon research from cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics, we examine how mental lexical organization develops with increasing language competence and explore the challenges learners face during word retrieval. An experimental study involving native Kazakh speakers was conducted to observe how words are associated and retrieved in their mental lexicon. The results offer new insights into the mechanisms of language processing and provide practical recommendations for improving vocabulary teaching. By analyzing associative responses, we aim to uncover the internal structuring of the Kazakh mental lexicon, contributing to psycholinguistic theory and revealing the cognitive patterns underpinning language use in the Kazakh-speaking context.