The Influence of Several Idiom Characteristics and Learning Factors on Second Language Idiom Learning

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2019-07-04
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en
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Abstract
This study investigated the influence of two idiom-specific characteristics (idiom transparency and imageability) and of two learning factors (frequency and modality of practicing the idioms) on second language idiom learning. Previous literature about L1 (idiom) processing, L2 idiom processing, L2 idiom learning, the two idiom-specific characteristics and the two learning factors was considered. Eighteen participants, most of them native speakers of Arabic, participated in an idiom learning experiment with a pre-test – practice sessions – post-test design. The materials were idioms that were different from each other in terms of transparency and imageability. Frequency and modality of practice were manipulated during the learning experiment. A multiple-choice test, part of the post-test, was used to gauge participants’ knowledge of the meaning of the idioms. A binomial regression analysis showed that idiom transparency influences idiom performance in general and that frequency of practicing the idioms influences idiom learning. This entails that performance on both the pre-test and the post-test was better for transparent idioms (versus opaque idioms) and that performance on the post-test was better for frequently practiced idioms (versus for idioms that received limited practice). Idiom imageability and modality of practicing the idioms did not significantly influence idiom performance/learning. It was also shown that transparency and imageability significantly interacted. Participants had the highest score on idioms that are transparent and not imageable. These findings are discussed in relation to relevant literature. Some implications, limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed last.
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Faculteit der Letteren