40 Questions
What is formulaic language?
Formulaic language refers to frequently used sequences of words or expressions that are memorized and used as wholes rather than individual words.
What are some examples of formulaic language?
Examples of formulaic language include collocations, fixed expressions, lexical metaphors, idioms, and situation-bound utterances.
What types of units can formulaic sequences contain?
Formulaic sequences can contain grammatical units, fixed semantic units, and pragmatic, situation-bound expressions.
What is the difference between formulaic and non-formulaic language?
The difference between formulaic and non-formulaic language is that formulaic language is stored and recalled as wholes, while non-formulaic language is composed of individual words.
Why do native speakers use formulaic language?
Native speakers use formulaic language because it contributes to the sense of naturalness and nativeness about a person's speech.
Why do language teachers have an interest in teaching formulaic language?
Language teachers have an interest in teaching formulaic language because it is the heart and soul of native-like language use.
What is the significance of formulaic language in language proficiency?
The use of formulaic language is regarded as an indicator of overall language proficiency.
What is the role of formulaic language in written communication?
A significant percentage of written communication is highly routinised into pre-fabricated utterances, such as e-mails, messages, official letters, and academic writing.
What is the length of formulaic multi-word chunks?
Formulaic multi-word chunks can be long (e.g. 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink') or short (e.g. 'Oh no.'), or anything in between.
What is the importance of formulaic language?
Formulaic language is important because it makes language use native-like.
In most communicative situations, similar formulaic sequences ______ and language users make use of similar and sometimes identical expressions
recur
Formulaic sequences can be long or ______
short
Formulaic multi-word chunks are stored and recalled as ______
wholes
A significant percentage of written communication is highly ______ into pre-fabricated utterances
routinised
Native speakers have a repertoire of ______ memorised routines
thousands
The use of formulaic language is regarded as an indicator of overall language ______
proficiency
Formulaic language is the heart and soul of ______-like language use
native
Formulaic language includes collocations, fixed expressions, lexical metaphors, idioms and ______-bound utterances
situation
Formulaic language contributes to the sense of ______ and nativeness about a person’s speech
naturalness
Many language teachers have particular interests in teaching ______ language
formulaic
Formulaic language only refers to idioms and fixed expressions.
False
Formulaic sequences are always composed of grammatical units.
False
The use of formulaic language is not important for achieving native-like language use.
False
Formulaic language is only found in oral communication, not in written communication.
False
Formulaic multi-word chunks are stored and recalled as individual words, not as a whole.
False
Formulaic language is only used by non-native speakers to sound more natural.
False
Formulaic language is an indicator of overall language proficiency, but not the only one.
True
Native speakers do not use formulaic language in their speech.
False
Formulaic language includes situation-bound expressions, but not collocations.
False
Formulaic language contributes to the sense of nativeness about a person's speech, but not their language proficiency.
False
What is the term used to describe fixed expressions, idioms, collocations, and situation-bound utterances in language use?
Formulaic language
What types of units can formulaic sequences contain?
All of the above
What is the role of formulaic language in achieving native-like language use?
It is one of the indicators of overall language proficiency
What is the length of formulaic multi-word chunks?
Can be short or long
What percentage of written communication is highly routinised into pre-fabricated utterances?
A significant percentage
What is the difference between formulaic and non-formulaic language?
Formulaic language is stored and recalled as wholes rather than individual words
What is the significance of formulaic language in language proficiency?
It is an important indicator of overall language proficiency
What is the term used to describe situation-bound expressions in language use?
Pragmatic language
What is the term used to describe multi-word chunks that are stored and recalled as wholes rather than individual words?
Formulaic sequences
What is the significance of formulaic language in written communication?
It makes written communication more natural
Study Notes
Formulaic Language
- Formulaic language refers to fixed expressions, idioms, collocations, lexical metaphors, and situation-bound utterances.
- Formulaic sequences can contain various types of units, including grammatical, lexical, and phonological units.
Characteristics of Formulaic Language
- Formulaic sequences can be short or long, and may be composed of various units.
- Formulaic multi-word chunks are stored and recalled as wholes rather than individual words.
- A significant percentage of written communication is highly routinised into pre-fabricated utterances.
Importance of Formulaic Language
- The use of formulaic language is an indicator of overall language proficiency.
- Formulaic language contributes to the sense of nativeness and naturalness about a person's speech and language proficiency.
- Native speakers have a repertoire of memorised routines and use formulaic language to sound more natural.
Role of Formulaic Language in Language Use
- Formulaic language is essential for achieving native-like language use.
- Formulaic language is used in both oral and written communication.
- Formulaic language helps to create a sense of cohesion and fluency in language use.
Teaching Formulaic Language
- Language teachers have an interest in teaching formulaic language because it is an essential aspect of language proficiency.
- Teaching formulaic language can help language learners to sound more natural and native-like in their language use.
Difference between Formulaic and Non-Formulaic Language
- Formulaic language is memorised and recalled as wholes, whereas non-formulaic language is generated rule-by-rule.
- Formulaic language is more natural and native-like, whereas non-formulaic language may sound more stilted or unnatural.
Test your knowledge on formulaic language with this quiz! Learn about collocations, fixed expressions, idioms, and more. See how well you can recognize and use these common linguistic patterns in your own communication.
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