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Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 175:2 (2024) ► pp.163–186

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Learning L2 formulaic sequences from meaning-focused activities

ORCiD logo with link | KU Leuven | Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO)
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Available under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license.

For any use beyond this license, please contact the publisher at rights@benjamins.nl.

Open Access publication of this article was funded through a Transformative Agreement with KU Leuven.

Published online: 30 August 2024
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https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.23014.pui
Abstract
Formulaic language is becoming an increasingly popular topic of investigation in second language acquisition research. As linguistic units that provide language users with many benefits in communication and language processing, formulaic sequences have now taken up a central role in theoretical approaches to SLA theory and L2 pedagogy. This paper provides a review of studies investigating how formulaic sequences are acquired from meaning-focused L2 activities. The article starts by defining formulaic language and discussing the advantages of formulaic sequences for SLA. It then addresses key issues in L2 processing and use of formulaic sequences, before reviewing research into L2 acquisition of formulaic sequences through meaning-focused activities. Finally, the paper identifies some future directions for research on meaning-focused L2 learning of formulaic language.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Formulaic language and its role in SLA
  • How formulaic sequences are processed and used in a second language
  • Learning L2 formulaic sequences: The role of salience
  • Learning L2 formulaic sequences from meaning-focused activities
    • Exposure frequency
    • Attention and input enhancement
    • Input mode
    • Online measures
    • Summary of findings
  • Directions for future research
  • Conclusion
  • References
References (96)
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