Evolution and Trends in EFL/ESL Vocabulary Development in Higher Education: Bibliometric and Content Analysis (1984–2024)

Authors

  • ThiTuyet Tran

    Faculty of English Language Studies, Hanoi University of Business and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Apisak Sukying

    Department of Western Languages and Linguistics, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
  • Pilanut Phusawisot

    Department of Western Languages and Linguistics, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i9.10628
Received: 21 June 2025 | Revised: 27 June 2025 | Accepted: 16 July 2025 | Published Online: 1 September 2025

Abstract

The current study presents a systematic bibliometric review on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) vocabulary research in higher education from 1984 to 2024. Using 601 Scopus-indexed articles as a dataset, the research analyses trends in publications, research collaboration networks, leading authors, prominent journals, main thematic directions and emerging research gaps. By employing descriptive statistics, co-word analysis, and bibliographic coupling, the study systematically maps the intellectual and structural landscape of the field. The findings indicate a gradual increase in publication trends over the last two decades, with Iran, China, and the United States being the most productive and significant contributors to co-authorship. Key research topics include receptive versus productive vocabulary knowledge, incidental vocabulary learning, mobile-assisted language learning, and data-driven learning. Although there is an increasing interest in technology-assisted vocabulary learning, the study indicates a lack of research into the sustainability, scalability, and contextual adaptability of such innovations. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary work, culturally responsive pedagogy, and longitudinal empirical research to inform future studies. Combining a historical overview, discussion of key authors, and directions in the field, it provides rich material to advance knowledge on and teaching of vocabulary development from an EFL/ESL perspective at the university level.

Keywords:

Vocabulary Development; Higher Education; Bibliometric Analysis; Content Analysis; Research Trends

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How to Cite

Tran, T., Sukying, A., & Phusawisot, P. (2025). Evolution and Trends in EFL/ESL Vocabulary Development in Higher Education: Bibliometric and Content Analysis (1984–2024). Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(9), 140–158. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i9.10628

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 9 (September 2025): In progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 ThiTuyet Tran, Apisak Sukying, Pilanut Phusawisot

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.