What is Unknown Vocabulary

The problem of processing texts containing a number of unknown words is relatively common in foreign language learning, especially for students on level A1-A2-B1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The disorientation raised by such texts usually turns into frustration and demotivation, as most students experience a nearly total block in the comprehension process and soon give up reading the text, while only a few of them have recourse to proper comprehension strategies. This chapter describes an experimental reading activity carried out in a class of Italian students during a German lesson in order to enhance a motivating net-like reading attitude in L2 based on a constructivist-connectionist approach to language processing. The activity was meant to make students realise in practice that they have a wide range of interconnected comprehension strategies at their own disposal, which can be effectively activated to overcome when occurring comprehension blocks.