Revisiting Three Decades of L2 Vocabulary Research in Higher Education (1992–2025): A Multidimensional Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study presents a multidimensional bibliometric and thematic analysis of L2 vocabulary learning research in higher education from 1992 to 2025. Leveraging a two-database framework that integrates data from Scopus and the Web of Science Core Collection, the paper applies Hallinger and Kovačević’s Four-Dimensional Bibliometric Framework to analyze the evolution, intellectual landscape, and methodological trends of the field. 557 peer-reviewed journal articles were quantitatively mapped, and thematic clusters were identified using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. The findings reveal three stages of scholarly development, diversification of institutions and regions involved, and varying methodological orientations between databases. Seven thematic clusters emerged, including technology-enhanced vocabulary instruction, modeling vocabulary knowledge, and incidental acquisition processes. In addition to validating dominant research paradigms, the paper places special focus on emerging and yet-to-be-explored domains such as informal digital learning, psychological network analysis, and vocabulary pedagogy for equity. A comparison of Scopus and WoS suggests a need for dual-source indexing to justify large-scale bibliometric synthesis. The study concludes by proposing an agenda for future research that is inclusive in methodology, theory-driven, and context-sensitive in its responsiveness to global language learning dynamics.