Lexicarry: Pictures for Learning Languages

Lexicarry is a book of wordless pictures to help learners build vocabulary in any language. It offers a fun, active, and conversational lexical approach to language learning.

The illustrated vocabulary is presented in seven contexts: functions (asking directions, invitations, etc.), sequences (lose, look for, find), related actions (walk, run, jog), operations (taking a digital photo, cleaning a pot), topics (clothing, occupations, smells, sounds), places (a bedroom, a street scene), and sayings and proverbs (let sleeping dogs lie, fight fire with fire). Over 4500 everyday words and expressions are illustrated to help learners acquire and retain vocabulary naturally in context.

Although similar to a picture dictionary, no words appear on the illustrated pages, just the drawings. Each topic is numbered and linked to vocabulary/word lists. An American English word list comes with the book linked digitally to the topics; word lists in a dozen other languages are available on the web.

Wordless pictures motivate learners to look closely at the pictures to discover the meanings. This engages the learners in thinking creatively to figure out the language using language they already know, using their imaginations, guessing, and talking to peers or a helper, or consulting the word list. Then using the pictures they review and recall what they have learned.This thoughtful investment enhances vocabulary acquisition and retention.

Lexicarry can be used by self-directed second-language learners of any language working independently, with partners, with language informants or tutors, and by classroom teachers at any proficiency level, including multilevel classes.