Phraseology and the Advanced Language Learner

Phraseology is often seen as an anomaly and a headache for language learners, but Svetlana Vetchinnikova's study explores meaning-shift units (MSUs) in second language usage, acquisition, and processing. She argues for the value of looking at individual languages and tracing MSUs as they are learned, used, and processed, advocating a shift of focus from groups to individuals. This study develops a unified view on phraseological patterning in second language acquisition and use.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Phraseology, often perceived as an enigmatic and challenging aspect of language learning, has garnered limited attention from researchers, who have predominantly focused on relatively fixed and conventional multi-word units. These units possess a distinct status and exhibit clear deviations from the standard form, making their special characteristics readily observable. However, the question remains: what transpires at the opposite end of the phraseological scale? To what extent and in what forms can phraseological patterning tolerate variability? In her groundbreaking study, Svetlana Vetchinnikova delves into the realm of meaning-shift units (MSUs) in second language usage, acquisition, and processing. Importantly, she advocates for a shift in focus from examining groups of languages to examining individual languages and tracing the development of MSUs as they unfold through exposure, utilization in individual language output, and mental processing. This significant research endeavor presents a unified perspective on phraseological patterning in second language acquisition and utilization, shedding light on the underlying processes that contribute to its formation.

The study of phraseology has traditionally been approached from a narrow perspective, primarily concentrating on the examination of relatively fixed and conventional multi-word units. These units possess a distinct status and exhibit clear deviations from the standard form, making their special characteristics readily observable. However, the question remains: what transpires at the opposite end of the phraseological scale? To what extent and in what forms can phraseological patterning tolerate variability? In her groundbreaking study, Svetlana Vetchinnikova delves into the realm of meaning-shift units (MSUs) in second language usage, acquisition, and processing. Importantly, she advocates for a shift in focus from examining groups of languages to examining individual languages and tracing the development of MSUs as they unfold through exposure, utilization in individual language output, and mental processing. This significant research endeavor presents a unified perspective on phraseological patterning in second language acquisition and utilization, shedding light on the underlying processes that contribute to its formation.

Phraseology, often perceived as an enigmatic and challenging aspect of language learning, has garnered limited attention from researchers, who have predominantly focused on relatively fixed and conventional multi-word units. These units possess a distinct status and exhibit clear deviations from the standard form, making their special characteristics readily observable. However, the question remains: what transpires at the opposite end of the phraseological scale? To what extent and in what forms can phraseological patterning tolerate variability? In her groundbreaking study, Svetlana Vetchinnikova delves into the realm of meaning-shift units (MSUs) in second language usage, acquisition, and processing. Importantly, she advocates for a shift in focus from examining groups of languages to examining individual languages and tracing the development of MSUs as they unfold through exposure, utilization in individual language output, and mental processing. This significant research endeavor presents a unified perspective on phraseological patterning in second language acquisition and utilization, shedding light on the underlying processes that contribute to its formation.

The study of phraseology has traditionally been approached from a narrow perspective, primarily concentrating on the examination of relatively fixed and conventional multi-word units. These units possess a distinct status and exhibit clear deviations from the standard form, making their special characteristics readily observable. However, the question remains: what transpires at the opposite end of the phraseological scale? To what extent and in what forms can phraseological patterning tolerate variability? In her groundbreaking study, Svetlana Vetchinnikova delves into the realm of meaning-shift units (MSUs) in second language usage, acquisition, and processing. Importantly, she advocates for a shift in focus from examining groups of languages to examining individual languages and tracing the development of MSUs as they unfold through exposure, utilization in individual language output, and mental processing. This significant research endeavor presents a unified perspective on phraseological patterning in second language acquisition and utilization, shedding light on the underlying processes that contribute to its formation.

ISBN-13: 9781108731621