This document summarizes a research study on the difficulties of learning English idioms for non-native speakers and strategies to address these difficulties. The study explored the categories of idioms that create challenges, and suggested strategies like choosing idioms frequently used in the target language and discussing idioms to contrast literal and figurative meanings. The strategies discussed teaching idioms by defining them in context, using situational examples, drawing pictures, and acting them out dramatization to help learners understand idiomatic meanings.
International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES)irjes
The core of the vision IRJES is to disseminate new knowledge and technology for the benefit of all, ranging from academic research and professional communities to industry professionals in a range of topics in computer science and engineering. It also provides a place for high-caliber researchers, practitioners and PhD students to present ongoing research and development in these areas.
This study aims at explaining the confusion that led by the misuse of English grammatical structures when conveying meanings in written English texts. Indicating how committing certain errors in written English structures constrains Sudanese English learners’ performance. Investigating English grammatical structures experienced by Sudanese learners who are preparing to graduate with B.A. in English. Therefore, the roles that grammatical structures play in models of communicative competence are discussed in this paper. Additionally, the study explains the role of mastering these structures in communicative purposes. The obtained results revealed that Sudanese students are incompetent in using grammar well enough for some real-communicational purpose. Grammatical structures play a role in language communicative competence for the learners of English language. Learners’ mastery of the language communicative ability is affected when language learners are unable to successfully communicate in L2 without cultural knowledge of what is considered appropriate according to a particular context in the target language.
A contrastive linguistic analysis of inflectional bound morphemes of English,...Bahram Kazemian
In order to contrast and compare inflectional bound morphemes of English, Azeri and Persian languages and to identify their similarities and dissimilarities, inventories of English, Azeri and Farsi inflections, i.e. their set of affixes, were gathered, studied, and elaborated with some examples, and with English meanings. Eventually, after comparison, the researchers ended up with a series of statements about similarities and differences between these languages. The design of the present study is comparative-analytic which concentrates on the comparison and contrasting inflections of English, Azeri and Persian languages. The data is analyzed and illustrated through the contrastive method.
International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES)irjes
The core of the vision IRJES is to disseminate new knowledge and technology for the benefit of all, ranging from academic research and professional communities to industry professionals in a range of topics in computer science and engineering. It also provides a place for high-caliber researchers, practitioners and PhD students to present ongoing research and development in these areas.
This study aims at explaining the confusion that led by the misuse of English grammatical structures when conveying meanings in written English texts. Indicating how committing certain errors in written English structures constrains Sudanese English learners’ performance. Investigating English grammatical structures experienced by Sudanese learners who are preparing to graduate with B.A. in English. Therefore, the roles that grammatical structures play in models of communicative competence are discussed in this paper. Additionally, the study explains the role of mastering these structures in communicative purposes. The obtained results revealed that Sudanese students are incompetent in using grammar well enough for some real-communicational purpose. Grammatical structures play a role in language communicative competence for the learners of English language. Learners’ mastery of the language communicative ability is affected when language learners are unable to successfully communicate in L2 without cultural knowledge of what is considered appropriate according to a particular context in the target language.
A contrastive linguistic analysis of inflectional bound morphemes of English,...Bahram Kazemian
In order to contrast and compare inflectional bound morphemes of English, Azeri and Persian languages and to identify their similarities and dissimilarities, inventories of English, Azeri and Farsi inflections, i.e. their set of affixes, were gathered, studied, and elaborated with some examples, and with English meanings. Eventually, after comparison, the researchers ended up with a series of statements about similarities and differences between these languages. The design of the present study is comparative-analytic which concentrates on the comparison and contrasting inflections of English, Azeri and Persian languages. The data is analyzed and illustrated through the contrastive method.
Grammar is the basic of a language. Without learning grammar language learning is incomplete. Now a day, communicative English has diminished the importance of teaching grammar. As a result, proper English learning is being hampered in many levels. Learners are using English without learning it. Communicative English has strengthened the speaking skills of the learners. But without proper use of Grammar non-native learners are not being able to write in English as much as they speak. Of course, linguistic competence and communicative competence is not the same thing but without one the other is vague. The misconception about the implementation of the modern method Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is that it does not incorporate Grammar. From this misconception Grammar is being ignored and it has become important to bring about a change in the selection and grading procedures of communicative grammar teaching materials. This paper deals with the importance of explicit and implicit grammar, suggestion about the implementation of strong and weak version of CLT, needs analysis, selection and grading procedures to choose appropriate materials for teaching communicative English grammar in different levels of CLT classroom in Bangladesh.
Applying metaphor in writing English scientific textsRusdi Noor Rosa
Most of English texts written by Indonesian students do not reflect the characteristics of English written text, even their texts resemble spoken texts conveyed through writing. A written text should be different from a spoken text for their different characteristics. The complexity of grammar in clause constructions of written texts may serve as the core distinguishing factor between the two kinds of texts. However, the question arises about how complex or how complicated the written text grammar is. This article is aimed at applying the concept of systemic functional linguistics-based metaphor (SFL-based metaphor) to distinguish a written text from a spoken text. In particular, this article applies the SFL-based metaphor concept in improving the dissertation proposal texts of the students. The application of the SFL-based metaphor concept is related to the lexical density of a clause through which a characteristic of a written text is generated. The realization of lexical density should give a credit to nominalization as a technique of reducing the number of clauses in a written text. Furthermore, a written text is closely related to a scientific text taking academicians including students, teachers, and lecturers as the readers. The data were 10 dissertation proposals written by the students of Linguistics Doctoral Program at the University of Sumtera Utara some of which are presented in this article to demonstrate the process of applying the SFL-based metaphor in improving the texts. Applying this concept is particularly helpful for those in the writing process of their final projects at universities.
Writekraft Research and Publications LLP was initially formed, informally, in 2006 by a group of scholars to help fellow students. Gradually, with several dissertations, thesis and assignments receiving acclaim and a good grade, Writekraft was officially founded in 2011 Since its establishment, Writekraft Research & Publications LLP is Guiding and Mentoring PhD Scholars.
Our Mission:
To provide breakthrough research works to our clients through Perseverant efforts towards creativity and innovation”.
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Writekraft endeavours to be the leading global research and publications company that will fulfil all research needs of our clients. We will achieve this vision through:
Analyzing every customer's aims, objectives and purpose of research
Using advanced and latest tools and technique of research and analysis
Coordinating and including their own ideas and knowledge
Providing the desired inferences and results of the research
In the past decade, we have successfully assisted students from various universities in India and globally. We at Writekraft Research & Publications LLP head office in Kanpur, India are most trusted and professional Research, Writing, Guidance and Publication Service Provider for PhD. Our services meet all your PhD Admissions, Thesis Preparation and Research Paper Publication needs with highest regards for the quality you prefer.
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From past years our core advisory members, research team assisted research scholars from various universities from all corners of world.
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Grammar is the basic of a language. Without learning grammar language learning is incomplete. Now a day, communicative English has diminished the importance of teaching grammar. As a result, proper English learning is being hampered in many levels. Learners are using English without learning it. Communicative English has strengthened the speaking skills of the learners. But without proper use of Grammar non-native learners are not being able to write in English as much as they speak. Of course, linguistic competence and communicative competence is not the same thing but without one the other is vague. The misconception about the implementation of the modern method Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is that it does not incorporate Grammar. From this misconception Grammar is being ignored and it has become important to bring about a change in the selection and grading procedures of communicative grammar teaching materials. This paper deals with the importance of explicit and implicit grammar, suggestion about the implementation of strong and weak version of CLT, needs analysis, selection and grading procedures to choose appropriate materials for teaching communicative English grammar in different levels of CLT classroom in Bangladesh.
Applying metaphor in writing English scientific textsRusdi Noor Rosa
Most of English texts written by Indonesian students do not reflect the characteristics of English written text, even their texts resemble spoken texts conveyed through writing. A written text should be different from a spoken text for their different characteristics. The complexity of grammar in clause constructions of written texts may serve as the core distinguishing factor between the two kinds of texts. However, the question arises about how complex or how complicated the written text grammar is. This article is aimed at applying the concept of systemic functional linguistics-based metaphor (SFL-based metaphor) to distinguish a written text from a spoken text. In particular, this article applies the SFL-based metaphor concept in improving the dissertation proposal texts of the students. The application of the SFL-based metaphor concept is related to the lexical density of a clause through which a characteristic of a written text is generated. The realization of lexical density should give a credit to nominalization as a technique of reducing the number of clauses in a written text. Furthermore, a written text is closely related to a scientific text taking academicians including students, teachers, and lecturers as the readers. The data were 10 dissertation proposals written by the students of Linguistics Doctoral Program at the University of Sumtera Utara some of which are presented in this article to demonstrate the process of applying the SFL-based metaphor in improving the texts. Applying this concept is particularly helpful for those in the writing process of their final projects at universities.
Writekraft Research and Publications LLP was initially formed, informally, in 2006 by a group of scholars to help fellow students. Gradually, with several dissertations, thesis and assignments receiving acclaim and a good grade, Writekraft was officially founded in 2011 Since its establishment, Writekraft Research & Publications LLP is Guiding and Mentoring PhD Scholars.
Our Mission:
To provide breakthrough research works to our clients through Perseverant efforts towards creativity and innovation”.
Vision:
Writekraft endeavours to be the leading global research and publications company that will fulfil all research needs of our clients. We will achieve this vision through:
Analyzing every customer's aims, objectives and purpose of research
Using advanced and latest tools and technique of research and analysis
Coordinating and including their own ideas and knowledge
Providing the desired inferences and results of the research
In the past decade, we have successfully assisted students from various universities in India and globally. We at Writekraft Research & Publications LLP head office in Kanpur, India are most trusted and professional Research, Writing, Guidance and Publication Service Provider for PhD. Our services meet all your PhD Admissions, Thesis Preparation and Research Paper Publication needs with highest regards for the quality you prefer.
Our Achievements:
NATIONAL AWARD FOR BEST RESEARCH PROJECT (By Hon. President APJ Abdul Kalam)
GOLD MEDAL FOR RESEARCH ON DISABILITY (By Disabled’s Club of India)
NOMINATED FOR BEST MSME AWARDS 2017
5 STAR RATING ON GOOGLE
We have PhD experts from reputed institutions/ organizations like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and many more apex education institutions in India. Our works are tailored and drafted as per your requirements and are totally unique.
From past years our core advisory members, research team assisted research scholars from various universities from all corners of world.
Subjects/Areas We Cover:
Management, Commerce, Finance, Marketing, Psychology, Education, Sociology, Mass communications, English Literature, English Language, Law, History, Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Pharmacy & Healthcare.
Vocabulary A Basic Element of Language Learningijtsrd
The importance of developing the vocabulary learning skill is the most essential skill for foreign language learners. Language is sequential speech is a sequence of sounds whereas writing is a sequence of symbols. To produce a good piece of writing, learners need to enrich their vocabularies. Vocabulary knowledge is also one component of language skills such as reading and speaking. Since the meanings of new words are emphasized frequently, vocabulary learning plays a crucial role in foreign language learning. Teaching and learning vocabulary in context also helps learners for inferring the meaning of new words. Vocabulary development is concerned with all four language skills and it can be treated as a link between reading and writing. Chaw Su Hlaing "Vocabulary: A Basic Element of Language Learning" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-5 , August 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd27861.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/english/27861/vocabulary-a-basic-element-of-language-learning/chaw-su-hlaing
American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development is indexed, refereed and peer-reviewed journal, which is designed to publish research articles.
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
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Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
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Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
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2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
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Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
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Samer
1. International Journal of Sciences:
Basic and Applied Research
(IJSBAR)
ISSN 2307-4531
(Print & Online)
http://gssrr.org/index.php?journal=JournalOfBasicAndApplied
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact of Strategies in Handling the Difficulties of Idioms
Samer Manzoora
*, Shumaila Kiranb
a
Lahore Leads University, Lahore, Pakistan
b
University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
a
Rosam.star@gmail.com
b
ahmad.shumaila19@gmail.com
Abstract
Present study tries to explore difficulties while learning English language and specifically idiomatic language. It
aims to find the different categories of the idioms which create difficulty and also suggests some strategies
which are helpful in comprehension of idioms. This study also finds out the different variables that causes
difficulty in learning idioms. As [1] described idioms as metaphorical aspects and delineate different processes
while learning idioms. Furthermore, this paper is also determined to describe different strategies for successful
learning of idiomatic phrases of second language. All the necessary information for this study and opinions of
students about using different strategies for learning idioms in narrative at graduation level was obtained
through a questionnaire. The questionnaire based on rating scale model. Data analyzed in the form of frequency
distribution, percentage mean score and standard deviation by using SPSS software. The study is designed to
know the impact of different strategies of learning idioms for second language learners.
Keywords: idiomatic language; metaphorical aspect; idioms learning strategies; categorization of idioms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: Rosam.star@gmail.com.
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2. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
1. Introduction
Idioms are such expressions which can’t be understand through its parts. It is the group of words which meaning
is different from the meaning of words in it. For example “at a snail`s pace” means idiomatically “very slow”.
Idioms are one of the most difficult aspects of language learning for anyone who has taken on a new language.
The second language students face difficulties in learning English idioms.
Non-native speakers often feel difficulty to understand full meaning of language conversation because in many
cases the native speaker`s discussions contain large number of idioms. An idiom is quite different from other
literal expressions because they don’t give its meaning just by understanding its constituents. All languages
comprise with a lot of idioms and native speakers use them spontaneously without even thinking about their
figurative nature. The main purpose of the idiom is to comprehend and paraphrase that what is going on and
what is being said. Non-native speakers have distinct disadvantage in understanding L2 figurative expressions
because idioms find in all forms of discourse whether it`s in formal speech like lectures or informal conversation
or other media sources like movies, radio, broadcast and television for non-native learners. Idioms are also
different from other figurative expressions like simile or metaphors. Native speakers of English could instantly
get the idea of “face the music” that means “face the result of one’s actions” while non-native speaker could
take it in different dimension. It is difficult task for most second language teachers and learners to deal with
such expressions in a defined context without using flexible strategies and systematic approach. Idioms are the
complex and long words which meanings are arbitrary and have complex nature. The second language students
and even teachers prefer memorization and rote learning of these expressions. Many researchers believe that the
proper knowledge and exact use of idioms in L2 is the symbol of L2 communicative competence. In this way
another term of figurative competence is introduced by researchers. This type of competence is the skill to
decode various meanings of a word and to produce novel figurative expressions and build a complete semantic
representation of the produced figurative expression. Idiomatic expressions are helpful to enrich the English
language. They also help the language learner to understand the target culture and know about the customs and
the style of English people and provide an understanding and perception of the nature of English history.
1.1. Theoretical framework
According to [2] “an idiom can have a literal meaning. But its alternate figurative meaning must be understood
metaphorically. Similarly [1] defines, “an idiom is a conventionalized expression and its meaning cannot be
determined from the meaning of its parts. Idioms differ from other figurative expressions, such as similes and
metaphors, in that they have conventionalized meanings. Idiomatic expressions cannot be occurred separately.
These are the unbreakable blocks of language. Idiom parts must be certified by each other. Idioms are sensitive
to their contents in which regularity and irregularity of idioms occur. There are some properties of idioms which
violate the general characteristic of language. Every lexical item has regularity in its morphological shape and
every word belongs to a specific and regular inflectional paradigm. There are lexical items which have frozen
properties, these idioms need not consist of the normal lexical inventory of language, and they have
idiosyncratic properties on morphological level. Idiomatic expressions are both sources of regularity and
irregularity in language while some have the unchanging properties due to its tense or mode. There are some
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3. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
morphological, lexical, syntactical and semantic characteristics of idioms [3]. Idioms are also consisted by
bound words. This type of idioms occurs only in specific situation, bound words are those lexical units which
have been frozen during language development over time [4].
Four theories have been explained by [2] which are based on that how native speakers comprehend idioms. It is
proposed in [5] and idiom-list hypothesis which says that native speakers first go for literal interpretation. In
case when literal meaning doesn’t fit the situation than he searchers for figurative meaning in mental lexicon.
The authors in [23] proposed a model named as lexical representation hypothesis. According to their hypothesis
along with other words idioms which are considered to be long extended words stored in mental lexicon. These
idioms exist in mid with both of their literal and figurative expressions and as well as with context
interpretation. There is another model which is modified version of lexical representation hypothesis termed as
direct access hypothesis [6, 7], it says that native speaker directly go for figurative meaning from their mental
lexicon. It came with salience hypothesis on idioms which talks about the salient meanings of words or
expressions in which discussion, demonstration and conception involved. As literal interpretation is different to
metaphorical interpretation.
The lack of awareness about metaphorical concepts and lexical strategies often lead L2 learners to render a
metaphorical expression in the L2 by using analogs counterpart of their L1. The sheer number of idioms and
their high frequency in discourse make them an important aspect of vocabulary acquisition and language
teaching in general [9]. According to [2], since idiomatic expressions are so frequently encountered in both
spoken and written discourse, they require special attention in language programs and should not be relegated to
a position of secondary importance in the curriculum. Gibbs (1987) said that people acquire more easily the
idioms that are syntactically frozen and those whose literal meaning is close to their figurative one. Syntactically
frozen idioms cannot be syntactically transformed into the passive and still retain their figurative meanings.
These idioms are learned more quickly because heard more frequently in only on syntactic form. Syntactically
flexible idioms retain their figurate meaning even if transformed into passive.
2. 1. Strategies of teaching idioms
Proficient writers can write more colorfully after using these strategies. Infrequent highly colloquial idiom with
difficult vocabulary should be avoided.
2.1.1. Choosing idioms: Choose idioms that are frequently encountered in target language, choose expressions
with transparent figurative meanings teach first identical idioms (in L1 and L2), second: similar idioms and last
teach dissimilar idioms [9].
2.1.2. Discussing idioms: Lead a discussion about figurative language including metaphors, similes and idioms
in metaphors, similes and idioms in order to show the students why they are used in speech and writing [10].
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4. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
2.1.3. Defining idioms: Choose a few idioms carefully and define them then present them within the large
context of a short paragraph or dialogue. Contrast the literal and figurative meaning and show how they are
related [11].
2.1.4. Situational portraits: Sketch a setting that will elicit responses in the slang, colloquial and formal or
standard speech registers. Themes that could be used getting some one’s attention reassuring a friend asking for
money, expressing anger for example chill out (slang) and take it easy (colloquial) [11].
2.1.5. Drawing idioms: Drawing idioms is effective for showing the contrast between the literal and figurative
meaning [11].
2.1.6. Dramatizing idioms: Act them out to compare literal and figurative meaning of idioms in a humorous
way. Another activity: Charades, act out the literal meaning of an expression and the class must guess the
figurative meaning [11]. Dialogues can be considered as short plays and used for students to act out rather than
simply read aloud. Moreover, the dialogues the students write function as basic communication at all levels.
Teachers can put pupils into pairs for the role-play in the daily dialogue is an effective way of oral practice for
various levels [12]. The authors in [13] stressed that role-play are also excellent activities for learners’ speaking
in the relatively safe environment of the classroom before they must do so in real environment. Therefore,
dialogues could prove to be an effective strategy for learning English idioms for second language learner.
2.1.7. Idioms with Readers Theater: Readers Theater is an interesting and motivating strategy it help students to
reread text and improve their word recognition, reading fluency and reading comprehension. Researches claim
that Readers Theater offers a way to improve fluency and enhance comprehension as well as to create interest in
and enthusiasm for learning [14]. Through this strategy, below average learners can benefit from Readers
Theater because there is no memorization required and it also provides a possible opportunity for practice
repeated reading in language learning. This strategy also enhances peer interaction and learning more appealing
than learning alone [15].
2.1.8. Retelling exercise: The teacher tells the story containing several idioms and the students have to retell it
or write it down by trying it down by trying to use as many of the expressions as they can. Retelling considers to
be very good strategy to know how much students have been learned and to increase their comprehension.
Retelling activities can facilitate students reading because these activities motivate students to recall the lesson
older students can benefit from retelling stories because it allows students to learn to organize and describe
events, which enhances reading comprehension [16].
2.1.9. Add on story: Write a list of idioms on the board and start the story by using one of the idioms. Students
have to add this idiom to the story by each contributing one sentence containing a new expression [9]. For
effective language learning stories have been popularly used. Interesting and enjoyable stories draws student’s
attention easily get involved in the. Through this strategy student could understand idioms in better way because
of the complete contextual information of stories. Thus, introducing English idioms within interesting stories
can possible help second language learners to understand and memorize them in better way [17].
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5. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
2.1.10. Idioms used in media: Select different cartoon CDs and select idioms from them [18]. Compile idioms
from TV shows (sit-comes are a good source) view all in class and discuss. Student should select a comic strip
that has idiomatic language from Sunday newspaper. List all the selected idioms on the board and discuss them
[11].
2.1.11. Idiom board game: Student creates a board game that that tests their knowledge of idiomatic
expressions. Practice idioms through music students can create chants [11].
2.1.12. Idioms with group discussion: Students are likely to be passive learners if they receive lectures in
classrooms. In contrast small group discussion in class could motivate students to involve in active process of
constructing knowledge. In group discussion students learn from each other consciously or unconsciously.
Group talks can provide learners with rich opportunities to acquire social and linguistic knowledge necessary for
understanding new texts the encounter [19]. The authors in [20] stressed that ESC students engaging in
collaborative talk during content reading, they assisted one another in understanding the meaning of challenging
words, getting the main ideas, and ensuring questions about what they read [20].
2.1.13. Paragraph competition: Omit the idioms in context from a paragraph then students have to complete the
idioms with proper expression that fits in the context. After this give them the omitted idioms. Students will see
how they have inferred the idioms meaning from the context [1].
2.1.14. Dividing idioms into categories: Dividing idioms into thematic categories will make them easier to learn
[1]. Idioms can be grouped according to the main words they contain: verbs, nouns. Idioms can be grouped
according to their underlying metaphorical themes e.g., time is money; argument is war [11]. It is proposed in
[8] a typology of idioms with three sub-classes i.e., pure idioms, semi idioms and literal idioms.
2.1.15. Idioms and role of context: For learners of all ages the comprehension of the idiomatic expressions is
facilitated by contextual support [21,22]. English idiom do not mean what they literally mean, their meaning is
change from the meaning of its elements. Therefore it’s difficult to learn idioms by non-native learners in an
easy way. The authors in [22] stressed, failure to grasp the meanings of idioms can impinge upon an individual’s
understanding of language in social, academic, and vocational settings. In addition, it is found in [23] that
students are often able to discuss content, take notes, or create semantic maps for writing; however they often do
not use the new words or concepts taught in class.
2.1.16. Role of illustrations in idiom learning: Researchers claim that if reading materials facilitated by visuals
it will be more comprehensible and effective. It is stressed [24]in that teachers need to illustrate key vocabulary
effectively by showing pictures and diagrams so as to improve the ESC student’s reading comprehension. The
author in [25] found that words and pictures presented together helped students to recall better than alone. It is
effective in language learning if students were provided interesting pictures to reinforce vocabulary
development. So, the visuals which were used for language learning must be stimulating, interesting and
motivating to students’ comprehension and retention of reading.
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6. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
2.2. Variables affecting idiom learning and comprehension
There are certain factors which affect the idiom comprehension level of the students. Some of these factors are
listed below:
2.2.1. Age of learners: Children interpret idioms literally until the age of nine. Piaget’s theory of cognitive
development [26] says that use of figurative language by teachers can improve children’s figurative language.
2.2.2. Second language learners: Idioms are problematic for EFL and ESL learners, [9] conducted a study to
determine whether advanced learners of English use knowledge of than first language to comprehend and
produced second language idioms [9].
2.2.3. Idiom comprehension difficulties: It takes long time for children to comprehend and produce idiomatic
expressions. The literature on normally developing children and on children with language disorders and deficits
coverage to show that at the core of the acquisition of efficient idiomatic competence is the ability to construct
word and sentence meaning from context, whether by selecting salient meanings and suppressing irrelevant
ones, by drawing the necessary inferences, or by comprehending the speaker’s intend meaning. Measures of
idiom understanding might be associated with measures of intelligence, academic achievement in reading and
listening comprehension in adolescents, and with general non-verbal measures of mental capacity [22]. Many
studies reported that children having specific language disorders also have deficits in understanding some forms
of figurative expressions including idioms.
3. Methodology and procedure
The study under reference is survey type research which deals to find out the opinions of students about
different strategies for learning idioms in narrative at graduation level. This survey was conducted through
questionnaire consisted of 16 statements (Appendix A).The sample of the study included 40 students of
graduation. These students were first taught idioms by following different strategies which were mentioned in
literature review part and then on the basis of these strategies the researcher developed a questionnaire because
results obtained in this way are more accurate. The researcher developed this questionnaire after exclusive study
of related literature and by following need analysis technique. The questionnaire is based on pattern of Likert-
type scale. SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) software was used to analyze data in the form of
frequencies, percentage, mean to see the opinion of students about different strategies for learning idioms.
4. Results
The result of the item ‘it is easy to learn those idioms which one usually spoken by our friends and family
members’ shows that 12.5% students response (SA), 77.5% students response (A), 2.5% students response (D)
and 7.5% students response (SDA), mean score of this statement is 2.75 and standard deviation is 0.63. On the
basis of results, it is concluded that students accepted that it is easy to learn idioms which are spoken by our
friends and family members.
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Table 1: Students' opinion about different strategies for learning idioms
Statement
(It is easy to learn…)
SA
f
%
A
f
%
DA
f
%
SDA
f
%
Mean Std.
deviation
Familiar idioms 5
12.5
31
77.5
3
7.5
1
2.5
2.75 0.630
Equivalent meaning in native language. 4
10
27
67.5
9
22.5
0
0
2.58 0.675
Idioms with group discussion 19
47.5
15
37.5
5
12.5
1
2.5
2.6 0.744
Idioms with retelling and rewriting 5
12.5
31
77.5
3
7.5
1
2.5
2.75 0.63
Idioms with defined context 13
32.5
22
55
5
12.5
0
0
2.23 0.92
Idioms by knowing their metaphorical aspect 4
10
9
67.5
27
22.5
0
0
2.58 0.675
Idioms with clear literal meaning 17
42.5
21
52.5
2
5
0
0
2.1 0.982
Idioms with familiar vocabulary 8
20
26
65
5
12.5
1
2.5
2.425 0.874
Idioms with repeating and paraphrasing 3
7.5
23
57.5
8
20
6
15
2.58 0.844
Idioms with rich illustration 12
30
24
60
4
10
0
0
2.3 0.911
Idioms with reading comprehension 9
22.5
21
52.5
8
20
2
5
2.4 0.9
Idioms with categorization 11 24 3 2 2.575 0.747
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8. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
27.5 60 7.5 5
Idiom learning through activating mental
lexicon
10
25
25
62.5
5
12.5
0
0
2.38 0.868
Idioms which have close literal and figurative
meaning
13
32.5
25
62.5
2
5
0
0
2.3 0.939
Idioms which have conceptualization in both
first and second language
17
42.5
21
52.5
2
5
0
0
2.1 0.982
Idioms which have multi-word combination 3
7.5
23
57.5
8
20
6
15
2.58 0.844
Idioms used in different media 5
12.5
31
47.5
2
5
1
2.5
2.55 0.639
The second item of the questionnaire is ‘it is easy to learn those idioms which have equivalent meaning in native
language’ show the response of 10% at (SA), 67.5% at (A), 22.5% at (D) and 0% at (SDA).The mean score of
this statement is 2.58 and standard deviation is 0.675. So it is concluded here that majority of the learners find
easy to learn those idioms which have equivalent meaning in their native language. The result of third statement
‘it is easy to learn those idioms with group discussion’ shows that 47.5% respondents agreed on (SA), 37.5%
agreed on (A), 12.5% agreed on (D) and 1% agreed on (SDA). The mean score and standard deviation are 2.6
and 0.744 respectively. On the basis of results, it is concluded that students accepted that it is easy to learn
idioms with group discussion. The results of the statement ‘it is easy to learn idioms by using retelling and
rewriting strategies are 12.5% (SA), 77.5% (A), 7.5% (D), and 2.5% (SDA). The mean score is 2.75 and
standard deviation is 0.63. On the basis of these results it is concluded that students accepted that retelling and
rewriting strategy is quite effective for idiom learning. The next statement ‘it is easy to learn those idioms which
one can relate to defined context and situation’ shows the result of 32.5% at (SA), 55% at (A), 12.5% at (D) and
0% at (SDA). The mean score here is 2.23 and standard deviation is 0.92. On the basis of the result of this item
it is concluded that students find it easy to learn idioms with defined context. The statement ‘it is easy to learn
idioms by knowing their metaphorical aspect produce results 10% (SA), 67.5% (A), 22.5% (D), 0% (SDA),
0
1
2
3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Mean
Standard deviation
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9. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2015) Volume 21, No 2, pp 224-234
mean score is 2.58 and standard deviation is 0.675. This statement shows that for students it’s easy to learn
idiom by knowing its metaphorical aspect. The item ‘it is easy to learn idioms when their literal meaning can
clear its figurative use’ shows the numeric result of 42.5% (SA), 52.5% (A), 5% (D) and 0% (SDA). The mean
score is 2.1 and standard deviation is 0.982. On the basis of these results it is concluded that students accepted
that it is easy to learn those idioms which have clear literal meaning. The statement ‘it is easy to learn idioms
when their used vocabulary is familiar show the result 20% (SA), 65% (A), 12.5% (D) and 2.5% (SDA). The
mean score of these values is 2.425 and standard deviation is 0.874. On the basis of produced results it is
concluded that students accepted that it is easy to learn idioms when the vocabulary used in it is familiar. The
item ‘it is easy to learn idioms by repeating and paraphrasing’ results are 7.5% (SA), 57.5% (A), 20% (D), and
15% (SDA), the mean score of these values is 2.58 and standard deviation is 0.844. On the basis of these results
it is concluded that it is easy to learn idioms by repeating and paraphrasing them. The results of the statement ‘it
is easy to learn idioms with rich illustration’ is 30% (SA), 60% (A), 10% (D) and 0% (SDA), the mean score
and standard deviation are 2.3 and 0.911 respectively. The item ‘it is easy to learn idioms with reading
comprehension’ produce result of 22.5% (SA), 52.5% (A), 20% (D), 5% (SDA), mean score is 2.4 and standard
deviation is 0.9. The results conclude that student accepted that it is easy to learn idioms by reading
comprehension. The item results ‘it is easy to understand those idioms which have an existence in our mental
lexicon’ ‘it is easy to understand those idioms which have an existence in our mental lexicon’ 27.5% (SA), 60%
(A), 7.5% (D), 5% (SDA) the mean score is 2.575 and standard deviation is 0.747 On the basis of results it is
concluded that students accepted that idioms which have already existed in our mental lexicon are easy to learn.
Idioms which have close literal and figurative meaning produce the result 25% (SA), 62.5% (A), 5% (D), 0%
(SDA), the mean score are 2.38 and standard deviation is 0.868. On the basis of these results students find it
easy to learn those idioms which have close literal and figurative meaning. Idioms which have conceptualization
in both first and second language shows the results of 32.5 (SA), 62.5% (A), 5% (D), 0% (SDA), the mean score
of these values is 2.3 and standard deviation is 0.939. The results conclude that student agreed that idioms which
have conceptualization in their first and second language are perhaps more easy to learn. Idioms which consist
of multi word combination show the result 42.5% (SA), 52.5% (A), 5% (D) and 0% (SDA). The mean score of
these values is 2.1 and standard deviation is 0.982. On the basis of these results student agreed that multi-word
combination of idiom is easy to learn. The item ‘it is easy to learn those idioms which are used in different
media sources shows the result 12.5% (SA), 47.5% (A), 5% (D), 2.5% (SDA), the mean score of these values is
2.55 and standard deviation is 0.639. The results conclude that students agreed that idioms used in media are
quite easy to learn.
5. Conclusion
The current study provides English language learners with a better understanding by using different strategies to
further enhance their learning. On the basis of the findings, it was concluded that idioms spoken by family,
friends and peer groups are easy to learn and it should be practiced in daily routine. Idioms that have close literal
and figurative meaning are easy to remind. Those idioms which have contextual basis and present in our mental
lexicon are also easy to learn. Throughout the paper it was shown that there are difficulties for learning idioms
for non-natives. As idioms are those figure of speech that are closely linked to the native culture of the language
and has different metaphorical aspects which could be discriminated from its literal meaning, so second
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language learners find difficulty in learning this part of the language so these suggested strategies will somehow
help them to overcome their difficulty. As the concluded results show that students who learned idioms by these
strategies find it quite easy and interesting.
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