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LEARNING LANGUAGE IN CHUNKS - Coggle Diagram
LEARNING LANGUAGE IN CHUNKS
CHUNKS
definition: an all-purpose word that embraces any formulaic sequence,
lexical/phrasal expression or multi-word item.
types of chunks
fixed
allows no variation and meaning cannot be inferred from individual words.
example: by the way
not fixed
allows variation and meaning can be derived from its parts.
example: on the way can also be on my way
chunks processed holistically as a single unit.
frequency effect: the more we encounter the words, the more we memorize it as a single unit.
examples: after all, as soon as, make sure, once again
Benefits of learning in chunks
they facilitate fluent processing
memorize large number of words to increase fluency in speaking
they confer idiomaticity
able to distinguish usage of words that are unnatural or normal.
they provide the raw material for
subsequent language development.
chunks are broken down into sentence frames allow better sentence to be constructed.
Criteria for selecting
lexical chunks
utility
usefulness
and relevance to the learners' purpose in learning’.
frequency
learn common language to know patterns of language.
fixedness
examples: first and foremost, by leaps and
bounds
idiomaticity
examples: the time 3:20 is said as twenty past three
teachability
more memorable, and hence
more teachable,
How to teach ?
The awareness raising approach
extensive reading and listening also keeping record and frequent review.
The analytic approach
targeted teaching of selected chunks using memory techniques such as mnemonic.
The communicative approach
repeating speaking tasks
The phrasebook approach
rote learning of
formulaic expressions