Lakhasly

University of Benghazi Faculty of Languages Department of Theoretical Linguistics

  The Importance of The Morphological Awareness in Comprehension and Reading for Learners of English as a Second Language
                            Submitted by

Ahmed Fathallah Alobiady 63649 Aisha Mohammed Almahjoup 63534

                               Supervised by   

Abdulfattah Alobiady 2024/2025 A Message of Gratitude and Appreciation : I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the Faculty of Languages, Department of English, for their unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts in shaping the academic journeys of countless students.Morphology "refers to the word meaning-making process by decomposing morphologically complex words into morpheme constituents," such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes (Zhang & Shulley, 2017, p. 170). Other researchers, like Richards-Tutor et al. (2016), also determined that morphological analysis was more successful in helping EFL students comprehend texts than vocabulary or comprehension strategies. Morphological awareness, the understanding of morphemes--the smallest units of meaning in a language--is a critical component of reading comprehension, particularly for learners of English as a second language (ESL). This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, thereby improving overall reading fluency and comprehension. For ESL learners, who often encounter challenges in grasping the intricate structure of English, morphological awareness provides a framework for recognizing patterns and their grammatical functions aiming to facilitate more effective language acquisition and literacy development for English As Second Language( ESL) learners. 1.2 Research Question :

Q1:How does morphology instruction affect English learner students' ability to figure out unknown words ? Q2:What is The Morphological Awareness ? Q3:What is the important of morphological awareness for learners of English as a second Language ? Q4:What is the all components of morphological awareness ? 1.3 Objectives Of The Study : This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of morphological awareness instruction in enhancing reading comprehension among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at the University of Benghazi. The primary objective is to evaluate whether teaching word structures, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots, improves students' ability to decode unfamiliar words. Additionally, the study seeks to explore the relationship between morphological awareness and vocabulary development, emphasizing its role in strengthening reading fluency. It also aims to assess the extent to which morphological instruction increases learners' confidence and independence in interpreting complex texts. Finally, the research aspires to provide practical strategies for integrating morphological awareness into EFL teaching practices to improve language proficiency

1.4 Significance of the study : This study underscores the pivotal role of morphological awareness in advancing both reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. By equipping students with the tools to analyze and decode the structural components of words, this research offers a pathway to more effective and independent language learning.Furthermore, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how morphological instruction can address the specific challenges faced by EFL learners, such as limited exposure to authentic language contexts and difficulties in interpreting complex texts. It emphasizes the role of morphology-based strategies in enhancing students' ability to recognize patterns, infer meanings, and expand their lexical knowledge.The findings also provide actionable Insights for educators, guiding them in the design and implementation of targeted instructional practices. By integrating morphological awareness into curricula, teachers can foster not only linguistic proficiency but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.Ultimately, this study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application,

Chapter 2 2 Literature Review :

2.1 Introduction The ability to comprehend written texts is a cornerstone of language proficiency, particularly for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, many EFL students face significant challenges in achieving this skill due to the complexity of the English language and the limited resources available for targeted instruction. Reading comprehension goes beyond recognizing words; it involves understanding the meaning, context, and structure of texts. For many learners, this task is made even more difficult by gaps in their lexical knowledge and a lack of awareness about how words are constructed and interconnected. Morphological awareness, defined as the ability to recognize and manipulate the smallest units of meaning in a word--such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots--plays a vital role in bridging these gaps. This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, making it a crucial component of reading fluency. Despite its importance, morphological awareness is often overlooked in traditional language instruction, which tends to focus on rote memorization of vocabulary and grammar rules. This gap in instruction leaves many students ill-equipped to tackle unfamiliar texts, limiting their ability to succeed academically and communicate effectively. The challenges faced by EFL learners are not limited to vocabulary acquisition alone. Many students struggle with the structural aspects of English, which can differ significantly from their native languages. For instance, learners whose first languages do not use morphological systems similar to English may find it difficult to understand how prefixes and suffixes alter a word's meaning or grammatical function. This lack of understanding can lead to confusion, reduced confidence, and a sense of frustration when encountering complex texts. The purpose of this study is to investigate how incorporating morphological awareness into language instruction can improve EFL learners' reading comprehension and overall linguistic competence. By analyzing the relationship between morphological skills and text comprehension, this research seeks to identify effective strategies that educators can use to support their students. Specifically, it aims to determine whether teaching students to deconstruct words into their constituent parts can enhance their ability to decode unfamiliar vocabulary, leading to improved reading fluency and comprehension. Beyond its immediate implications for reading, morphological awareness has broader benefits for language learning. It supports the development of writing skills, as students become more adept at constructing and deconstructing words. It also enhances spelling proficiency, as learners gain a deeper understanding of word formation and structure. Furthermore, by equipping students with the tools to independently analyze and infer word meanings, morphological awareness fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence in language learning, which is essential for long-term success. This research also highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on memorization. Instead, it advocates for a more dynamic approach that integrates morphological analysis into daily instruction. Such an approach not only helps students tackle immediate language challenges but also prepares them for future academic and professional demands. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of morphological awareness in addressing the challenges faced by EFL learners. By focusing on the structural aspects of language, it aims to provide practical solutions that enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall language proficiency. The findings of this research will offer valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers, paving the way for more effective and inclusive language teaching practices. 2.2 Morphology Instruction : Research in vocabulary instruction has consistently highlighted the limitations of traditional approaches that rely solely on teaching word definitions. Findings from various studies emphasize the importance of focusing on the structural components of words--such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots--rather than providing definitions in isolation. Richards-Tutor et al. (2016) observed that direct instruction in word meanings often fails to equip students with the skills needed to independently decipher unfamiliar vocabulary. Instead, morphological instruction, which teaches students how to analyze and interpret the smallest units of meaning within words, has proven to be a far more effective strategy for vocabulary development. Morphology enables learners to uncover the relationships between words, fostering a deeper understanding of how language functions. Silverman et al. (2014) argue that "if students are taught to break down words into meaningful parts and analyze how these words are used, they may be able to learn new words and improve language proficiency" (p. 48).This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, thereby improving overall reading fluency and comprehension.2.5.

University of Benghazi
Faculty of Languages
Department of Theoretical Linguistics

  The Importance of The Morphological Awareness in Comprehension and Reading for Learners of English as a Second Language

                            Submitted by

Ahmed Fathallah Alobiady 63649
Aisha Mohammed Almahjoup 63534

                               Supervised by   

Abdulfattah Alobiady 2024/2025 
A Message of Gratitude and Appreciation :
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the Faculty of Languages, Department of English, for their unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts in shaping the academic journeys of countless students. Your commitment to fostering knowledge, nurturing talent, and inspiring learners to reach their full potential is truly commendable. Through your relentless pursuit of excellence, you have created an environment that encourages growth, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
The high standards of education, combined with your continuous guidance and encouragement, have had a profound and lasting impact on my academic and personal development. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, support, and resources you have so generously provided, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping my path. From the stimulating lectures to the thoughtful mentorship, every effort made by the faculty has left a significant mark on my journey.I also want to acknowledge the supportive and inclusive environment you have cultivated, one that motivates students to overcome challenges and strive for success. Your passion for teaching and genuine care for each student have inspired me to push boundaries, embrace new opportunities, and aim for excellence in all aspects of my academic and professional pursuits.o all my professors, mentors, and peers at the Faculty of Languages, Department of English, I offer my sincerest gratitude for your remarkable contributions. Your belief in my potential and your unwavering support have been a source of strength and motivation throughout my academic journey.
Thank you for everything you do to empower students and guide them toward a brighter future. I will forever cherish the knowledge, skills, and memories gained during my time at this esteemed institution.

 
The Importance Of The Morphological Awareness In Comprehension And Reading for Learners Of English as a Second Language

Abstract:
English Learner (EL) students in University Of Benghazi are becoming increasingly common, but there does not seem to be enough support for these students. This is causing English Learner(EL) students to fall behind in content areas such as reading (Richards-Tutor et al., 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate what barriers are keeping EL students from succeeding in reading. After identifying a need for vocabulary instruction, the researcher will be conducting a morphological awareness intervention to improve English Learners(EL) students’ ability to figure out unknown words.
Morphological awareness is the understanding of a word’s smaller units such as prefixes suffixes, and roots. After conducting this action research, the researcher will be able to determine if a morphological awareness intervention improves the skill of solving unknown words while in dependently Reading.
Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill for academic success, yet it remains a significant challenge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at the University of Benghazi. Many students struggle to interpret unfamiliar words, which hinders their ability to understand texts effectively. This study investigates the impact of morphological awareness on enhancing students’ reading comprehension abilities. Morphological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the smallest units of meaning in a word, such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Morphological awareness, the understanding of morphemes—the smallest units of meaning in a language—is a critical component of reading comprehension, particularly for learners of English as a second language (ESL). This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, thereby improving overall reading fluency and comprehension. For ESL learners, who often encounter challenges in grasping the intricate structure of English, morphological awareness provides a framework for recognizing word patterns and their grammatical functions. This study examines the relationship between morphological awareness and reading comprehension among ESL learners, drawing on both theoretical models and empirical evidence. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative assessments of reading proficiency and qualitative insights into learners’ experiences with morphology-based instruction. The findings demonstrate that heightened morphological awareness significantly enhances reading outcomes, particularly in understanding complex texts and unfamiliar vocabulary. These results underscore the importance of incorporating morphology-focused strategies into ESL teaching practices. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of explicit morphological instruction in language education, aiming to facilitate more effective language acquisition and literacy development for ESL learners.morphological instruction into language curricula. The study’s results contribute to the development of effective teaching strategies, providing educators with insights into improving vocabulary acquisition and reading fluency for EFL learners.The study aims to determine whether teaching morphological strategies can improve students’ ability to decode unfamiliar words and develop their vocabulary knowledge.

TABLE OF CONTENTS :

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1Introduction………………………………………………………….
1.2 Research Question………………………………..
1.3Objectives…………………………………………………………
1.4 Significance of the
Study…………………………………………………………………

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW :
2.Introduction………………………………………………………
2.1 Body of the Review…………………………………………….
2.2 Morphology Instruction ……………………………………….
2.2.1 Influence of Morphology on Reading Comprehension……………
2.2.2 Instruction And Intervention……………………………………….
2.3Theoretical Framework………………………………………………
2.3.1 Cummins'Interdepenence Hypothesis…………………………....
2.3.2 Connection To Morphological Awareness…………………………
2.3.3 Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory…………………………………..
2.4 Impact Of Morphological Awareness……………………………….
2.4.1 Impact of Morphological Awareness on Reading Comprehension………………………………………………………..
2.4.2 Importance For (ESL) Learners…………………………………
 

2.5. Examples Of The Morphological For The Learner Of English AS a Second Language………………………………………………………...
2.5.1All The Components Of Morphological Awareness…………………………………….………………………….
2.6 Morphological Awareness and Vocabulary Development………………
2.6.1 The Role Of Morphology In Vocabulary Development……………………………………………………………..
2.6.2 Evidence From Research ………………………………………….
2.7 Teaching Strategies For Morphological Awareness………………………………………………………………..
2.7.1 Explicit Instruction In Morphology……………………………….
2.7.2 Contextual Learning And Word Analysis………………………….
2.7.3 Word Families And Compound Words…………………………….
2.7.4 Morphological Awareness Games And Activities …………………
2.7.5 Challenges In Teaching Morphology………………………………
2.7.6 Morphology-Based Instruction vs Traditional Methods ……………………………………………………………………
2.8Summary of Literature…………………………………………………..
Conclusion……………………………………………………….

Chapter 3. Methodology
3 .1Research Design…………………………………………………..
3.2.Sampling………………………………………………………….
3.3.Data Collection…………………………………………………..
3.4 Data Analysis…………………………………………………

Chapter Four: Results and Discussion:
4.1 Results ……………………………………………
4.2 Discussion…...........................................................

Chapter Five: Conclusions And References
5.1Conclusion………..............................................
5.2Referncess………………………………………………………

 
Chapter 1 : Introduction
1.1 INTRODUCTION :
Overall student achievement in university of Benghazi (Faculty of language-English Department) is dependent on the reading achievement of English Learner (EL) students due to the growing number of this group of students (Ardasheva& Tretter, 2013). EL students are expected to learn content and language simultaneously. Without the right support, EL students have been academically falling behind, specifically in reading comprehension (Richards-Tutor et al., 2016). The reading comprehension, or ability to understand text, of English Learner (EL) students is an ongoing problem that teachers are trying to solve (Zhang & Shulley, 2017). Teachers need to learn how to effectively teach this group of students, with the right training and supports, in order to improve EL student performance(Silverman et al., 2014).Through researching and observing vocabulary instruction and interventions, it was determined that although a focus on vocabulary was necessary, simply teaching key words and their definitions was not enough for a student’s overall reading comprehension (Wood et al., 2018). Wood et al. (2018) made this conclusion when recognizing that incorporating morphology had a significant effect in understanding vocabulary words while reading. Morphology “refers to the word meaning-making process by decomposing morphologically complex words into morpheme constituents,” such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes (Zhang & Shulley, 2017, p. 170). Other researchers, like Richards-Tutor et al. (2016), also determined that morphological analysis was more successful in helping EFL students comprehend texts than vocabulary or comprehension strategies.
Morphological awareness, the understanding of morphemes—the smallest units of meaning in a language—is a critical component of reading comprehension, particularly for learners of English as a second language (ESL). This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, thereby improving overall reading fluency and comprehension. For ESL learners, who often encounter challenges in grasping the intricate structure of English, morphological awareness provides a framework for recognizing patterns and their grammatical functions aiming to facilitate more effective language acquisition and literacy development for English As Second Language( ESL) learners.

1.2 Research Question :

Q1:How does morphology instruction affect English learner students’ ability to figure out unknown words ?
Q2:What is The Morphological Awareness ?
Q3:What is the important of morphological awareness for learners of English as a second Language ?
Q4:What is the all components of morphological awareness ?
1.3 Objectives Of The Study :
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of morphological awareness instruction in enhancing reading comprehension among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at the University of Benghazi. The primary objective is to evaluate whether teaching word structures, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots, improves students’ ability to decode unfamiliar words. Additionally, the study seeks to explore the relationship between morphological awareness and vocabulary development, emphasizing its role in strengthening reading fluency. It also aims to assess the extent to which morphological instruction increases learners’ confidence and independence in interpreting complex texts. Finally, the research aspires to provide practical strategies for integrating morphological awareness into EFL teaching practices to improve language proficiency

1.4 Significance of the study :
This study underscores the pivotal role of morphological awareness in advancing both reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. By equipping students with the tools to analyze and decode the structural components of words, this research offers a pathway to more effective and independent language learning.Furthermore, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how morphological instruction can address the specific challenges faced by EFL learners, such as limited exposure to authentic language contexts and difficulties in interpreting complex texts. It emphasizes the role of morphology-based strategies in enhancing students' ability to recognize patterns, infer meanings, and expand their lexical knowledge.The findings also provide actionable Insights for educators, guiding them in the design and implementation of targeted instructional practices. By integrating morphological awareness into curricula, teachers can foster not only linguistic proficiency but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.Ultimately, this study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application,
 
Chapter 2
2 Literature Review :

2.1 Introduction
The ability to comprehend written texts is a cornerstone of language proficiency, particularly for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, many EFL students face significant challenges in achieving this skill due to the complexity of the English language and the limited resources available for targeted instruction. Reading comprehension goes beyond recognizing words; it involves understanding the meaning, context, and structure of texts. For many learners, this task is made even more difficult by gaps in their lexical knowledge and a lack of awareness about how words are constructed and interconnected.
Morphological awareness, defined as the ability to recognize and manipulate the smallest units of meaning in a word—such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots—plays a vital role in bridging these gaps. This skill enables learners to decode complex words, infer meanings, and expand their vocabulary, making it a crucial component of reading fluency. Despite its importance, morphological awareness is often overlooked in traditional language instruction, which tends to focus on rote memorization of vocabulary and grammar rules. This gap in instruction leaves many students ill-equipped to tackle unfamiliar texts, limiting their ability to succeed academically and communicate effectively.
The challenges faced by EFL learners are not limited to vocabulary acquisition alone. Many students struggle with the structural aspects of English, which can differ significantly from their native languages. For instance, learners whose first languages do not use morphological systems similar to English may find it difficult to understand how prefixes and suffixes alter a word's meaning or grammatical function. This lack of understanding can lead to confusion, reduced confidence, and a sense of frustration when encountering complex texts.
The purpose of this study is to investigate how incorporating morphological awareness into language instruction can improve EFL learners' reading comprehension and overall linguistic competence. By analyzing the relationship between morphological skills and text comprehension, this research seeks to identify effective strategies that educators can use to support their students. Specifically, it aims to determine whether teaching students to deconstruct words into their constituent parts can enhance their ability to decode unfamiliar vocabulary, leading to improved reading fluency and comprehension.
Beyond its immediate implications for reading, morphological awareness has broader benefits for language learning. It supports the development of writing skills, as students become more adept at constructing and deconstructing words. It also enhances spelling proficiency, as learners gain a deeper understanding of word formation and structure. Furthermore, by equipping students with the tools to independently analyze and infer word meanings, morphological awareness fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence in language learning, which is essential for long-term success.
This research also highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on memorization. Instead, it advocates for a more dynamic approach that integrates morphological analysis into daily instruction. Such an approach not only helps students tackle immediate language challenges but also prepares them for future academic and professional demands.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of morphological awareness in addressing the challenges faced by EFL learners. By focusing on the structural aspects of language, it aims to provide practical solutions that enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall language proficiency. The findings of this research will offer valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers, paving the way for more effective and inclusive language teaching practices.

2.2 Morphology Instruction :
Research in vocabulary instruction has consistently highlighted the limitations of traditional approaches that rely solely on teaching word definitions. Findings from various studies emphasize the importance of focusing on the structural components of words—such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots—rather than providing definitions in isolation. Richards-Tutor et al. (2016) observed that direct instruction in word meanings often fails to equip students with the skills needed to independently decipher unfamiliar vocabulary. Instead, morphological instruction, which teaches students how to analyze and interpret the smallest units of meaning within words, has proven to be a far more effective strategy for vocabulary development.
Morphology enables learners to uncover the relationships between words, fostering a deeper understanding of how language functions. Silverman et al. (2014) argue that “if students are taught to break down words into meaningful parts and analyze how these words are used, they may be able to learn new words and improve language proficiency” (p. 48). For example, teaching students to recognize that the prefix "un-" denotes negation and the root "help" refers to assistance allows them to infer the meaning of "unhelpful" without needing explicit instruction. This analytical process not only enhances vocabulary retention but also empowers students to apply their knowledge across different contexts.
Morphological instruction also bridges the gap between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. By learning to identify and interpret morphemes, students can improve their ability to decode complex texts, understand abstract concepts, and expand their lexical repertoire. This approach provides learners with the tools to infer meanings and adapt their understanding to new and unfamiliar words, fostering greater independence and confidence in language use.

Moreover, the benefits of morphological instruction extend beyond vocabulary acquisition. Research has demonstrated that focusing on word structure helps students develop critical thinking skills, as they are encouraged to analyze, categorize, and synthesize information. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, this approach is particularly advantageous, as it offers a systematic framework for understanding the often complex and irregular nature of the English language.
In conclusion, incorporating morphology into language instruction is essential for improving vocabulary development and overall language proficiency. By emphasizing the understanding of word parts and their relationships, educators can equip students with a powerful tool for lifelong learning, enabling them to navigate the complexities of language with greater ease and confidence.

2.2.1Influence of Morphology on Reading Comprehension :
The effect of morphology on reading comprehension became apparent to researching team