PSYCHOLINGUISTIC INSIGHTS INTO THE PROCESSING AND ACQUISITION OF FORMULAIC LANGUAGE IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

Formulaic language encompasses fixed expressions and multi-word units that are processed and produced as single entities. This article examines the holistic processing of formulaic expressions which is likely to include the psycholinguistic approaches to understanding formulaic language, focusing on its processing advantages, acquisition, and implications for second language learners. Drawing on empirical studies which have been under discussion for a long time, it can be explored how formulaic sequences are represented in the mental lexicon, their role in language comprehension and production, and the challenges they pose in language acquisition.