Anna Siyanova-Chanturia

Abstract:

Recent years have seen growing interest in multi-word expressions (MWEs) and their role in second language learning and teaching. MWEs encompass a large set of sequences above the word level, such as collocations (strong tea), binomials (fish and chips), multi-word verbs (put up with), idioms (tie the knot), and so on. These sequences differ in a number of ways; however, what they have in common is that proficient language speakers recognise them as highly familiar and use them extensively. 

MWEs are important because they constitute a large proportion of authentic spoken and written discourse, and are considered an essential component of mature linguistic performance. The abundance of MWEs puts them at the forefront of vocabulary teaching and learning. In addition, research suggests that using MWEs can be a quick way of developing fluency, particularly, in the early stages of language learning. 

In the present talk, I will introduce MWEs and review some empirical evidence attesting to an important role they play in second language learning and processing.

Bio:

Anna Siyanova-Chanturia is Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Anna’s research aims to answer important theoretical, practical and methodological questions pertaining to how humans learn and use a second language. In particular, her interests include bilingualism, psychological aspects of second language acquisition, usage-based approaches to language acquisition, vocabulary teaching and learning, multi-word expressions, and quantitative research methods.