Formulaic Sequences in First Language Acquisition and Foreign Language Learning

Marta Orlik

doi:10.17951/nh.2017.2.17

Abstract

Formulaic sequences constitute a large part of the language we speak. This group contains, for example, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, mnemonics, or larger texts taught as a whole, like songs or prayers. They seem to be stored in our mental lexicon rather than created from scratch every time they are needed. The aim of the present article is to examine some types of formulaic sequences and discuss their function in communication. First, the article describes how children acquire and make use of formulaic sequences when they start speaking English as their mother tongue. Secondly, the paper discusses the difference between learning English as an L1 and as an L2. The paper aims to discuss various strategies used by children who do not speak English but have to use it because they find themselves in English-speaking environments. Furthermore, the article discusses some selected issues concerning adults learning formulaic sequences and major problems connected with it. Such difficulties usually stem from not having enough linguistic input from native speakers and therefore not being able to recognise strings of words that are most likely to occur.

Highlights

Soon after the beginning of learning English as a foreign language one is taught about the plural ending -s
FormulaicaSnedqFuoerneciegsniLnaFnigrustaLgeanCLgeuaarngeinAgcquisition Abstract: Formulaic sequences constitute a large part of the language we speak
The aim of the present article is to examine some types of formulaic sequences and discuss their function in communication

Summary

Introduction

Soon after the beginning of learning English as a foreign language one is taught about the plural ending -s This is how words such as ‘cats’, ‘dogs’, ‘birds’, etc., are created. People can change idioms, as well as proverbs, to achieve a humorous, or ironic effect They cease to be formulaic, as they are created consciously and require certain modifications. First of all, using formulaic sequences is necessary to make the processing effort more efficient, since drawing on already existing fused strings of vocabulary requires considerably less effort than creating them from the very beginning They enable one to obtain some time to think about what they are going to say. Last but not least, formulaic sequences are used just because they sound right (Wray 2002, 74)

Formulaic Sequences in First Language Acquisition

Formulaic Sequences in Foreign Language Learning

Teenagers and adults