Gender Differences in Indonesian Vocabulary Mastery Via the Spontaneous Method

Vocabulary mastery is a fundamental component of language skills, playing a crucial role in effective communication. This study investigates gender differences in Indonesian vocabulary mastery through the Spontaneous Method among students at SMA Negeri 45, Central Maluku. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected via participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation of both classroom and informal interactions. The analysis focused on lexical quantity, syllabic complexity, and psychological factors influencing spontaneous vocabulary use. Results reveal that female students demonstrate a broader and more varied vocabulary than male students, supported by higher reading interest, richer verbal environments, and greater self-confidence in language use. Linguistic analysis shows that females more frequently produce complex syllabic structures and diverse lexical choices, while males tend to use simpler forms. Psycholinguistic factors such as working memory capacity, motivation, and affective barriers further explain the observed differences. These findings underscore the need for gender-responsive vocabulary teaching strategies in Indonesian language education, particularly in multicultural and multilingual island contexts. The study offers pedagogical recommendations and proposes a context-based spontaneous vocabulary learning model adaptable to local socio-cultural characteristics.