Approaches to Teaching L2 Formulaic Language
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23748424 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Frank Boers (0000-0001-7552-4931, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-7 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-26 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal20239 |
| OpenAlex | W4410749502 |
| ISBN | 9781405198431 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 19 |
A substantial proportion of natural discourse is formulaic, that is, discourse abounds with word sequences (e.g. as a matter of fact ) and word combinations (e.g. conduct + investigation ) that sound appropriate although there are no grammar rules to attribute this to. Learners stand to gain a lot from mastering formulaic expressions in their target (L2) language because it will help them to better comprehend L2 discourse and to express themselves fluently in a way that resembles how L1 speakers use their language. Mastering formulaic language is a big task, however, and this article outlines some of the approaches that have been tried to help language learners tackle it. First, a few factors are discussed that can inform what kinds of formulaic expressions learners need to focus on, considering their specific needs and the characteristics of the expressions. Then follows a review of instructional steps that have been evaluated in pedagogy‐oriented applied linguistics: (a) making formulaic expressions more noticeable in texts, (b) pointing things out about specific expressions that make them more memorable, (c) using the types of decontextualized exercises featured in mainstream course books, (d) practicing high‐utility expressions repeatedly to promote fluency, and (e) developing discovery‐learning habits and strategies that foster autonomy in acquiring formulaic language. While these possibilities have typically been assessed as single interventions by researchers, they can naturally be combined in an actual language course. Certain promising approaches still appear to be virtually absent from mainstream course books, however.
Linguistics · Mathematics education · Natural language processing · Computer Science · Lexicography and Language Studies · Philosophy · Psychology · Second Language Acquisition and Learning · Translation Studies and Practices
Assessing Lexical Proficiency Using Analytic Ratings
Form-focused Instruction in Second Language Vocabulary Learning
A Phrasal Expressions List
Incidental Learning of Collocations From Meaningful Input
Incidental Acquisition of Multiword Expressions Through Audiovisual Materials
Helping learners develop autonomy in acquiring multiword expressions
Is alliteration mnemonic without awareness-raising
Beyond single-word measures
Increasing use of multi-word expressions in conversation through a fluency workshop
Cognitive Linguistic approaches to teaching vocabulary
The Error in Trial and Error
To What Extent Are Multiword Sequences Associated With Oral Fluency
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |