The Importance of Multi-word Expressions in English Language Teaching with Particular Emphasis on Collocations

Abstract

This thesis has attempted to turn attention to the key importance of teaching multi-word expressions in English language teaching. The theoretical part discussed the status of vocabulary in ELT and defined the relevant linguistic terms, i.e. collocations, phrasal verbs, free phrases and fixed phrases (idioms, lexical phrases). Collocations w^ere given a special part to play in this thesis and hence they were dealt with in depth. This linguistic area was divided into three main categories to help both teachers and students. First, several collocation patterns were established. Second, three possible strengths of collocations were identified and finally the difference between category and word collocations was explained. Moreover, all the categories were provided with illustrative examples. Furthermore, it has been explained that the knowledge of multi-word expressions and particularly collocations is necessary for successful development of students' competence in a foreign language. On one hand, extensive knowledge improves their fluency and accuracy in language production. On the other hand, insufficient knowledge of multi-word expressions might face students with serious difficulties not only in language production, but also in language comprehension. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

This thesis has attempted to turn attention to the key importance of teaching multi-word expressions in English language teaching. The theoretical part discussed the status of vocabulary in ELT and defined the relevant linguistic terms, i.e. collocations, phrasal verbs, free phrases and fixed phrases (idioms, lexical phrases). Collocations w^ere given a special part to play in this thesis and hence they were dealt with in depth. This linguistic area was divided into three main categories to help both teachers and students. First, several collocation patterns were established. Second, three possible strengths of collocations were identified and finally the difference between category and word collocations was explained. Moreover, all the categories were provided with illustrative examples. Furthermore, it has been explained that the knowledge of multi-word expressions and particularly collocations is necessary for successful development of students' competence in a foreign language. On one hand, extensive knowledge improves their fluency and accuracy in language production. On the other hand, insufficient knowledge of multi-word expressions might face students with serious difficulties not only in language production, but also in language comprehension. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)