New vocabulary is often understood through what key process?

Understanding new vocabulary is heavily influenced by observing experienced language users. This process allows individuals, especially young learners, to see how words are used contextually in everyday language, enhancing their comprehension and retention. By observing adults, caregivers, or peers who are adept at using language, children can gain insights into the meanings and uses of words based on conversational cues, gestures, and the surrounding context.

This immersive observation provides a rich linguistic environment where learners can pick up nuances in tone, inflection, and usage that they might not grasp through solitary activities like reading alone. It also fosters social interaction, which is critical in language acquisition, as it exposes learners to diverse vocabulary in natural settings.

While other options, such as practicing alongside teachers or imitating peers, can contribute to vocabulary development, they do not provide the same level of contextual understanding that comes from closely observing fluent language users in various scenarios. Reading extensively alone also lacks the interactive component and contextual richness that enhance vocabulary learning effectively.