THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ACQUISITION OF FORMULAIC LANGUAGE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AND LEARNER AUTONOMY

Abstract

Lexical competence forms the basis of mastering a foreign language. A good command of vocabulary not only entails the knowledge of words but also the ability to use the words in appropriate formulaic sequences to make communication fl uent. The aim of the article is to analyse the possibilities of raising B1 language learners’ competence in the acquisition of functional vocabulary with a focus on formulaic language. The analysis is based on the observations of B1 English language learners both on the degree and in-service courses at the Estonian National Defence College (ENDC) during 2015–2016. The analysis reveals that students had difficulties in identifying formulaic language, which in turn hindered the appropriate use of lexical chunks in context. To maximise students’ potential in the acquisition of formulaic language, it is important to facilitate the learners’ understanding of how a language works and raise their awareness of the utility and productivity of learning words in chunks. Developing metalinguistic awareness also contributes to learner autonomy and sustains continuing linguistic development outside the classroom setting.