Investigating Lexical Bundles Used by EFL Learners (A Study of a Group of EFL Arab Learners in Malaysia)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.9.2.P2.18Keywords:
Lexical bundles, Arab EFL learners, structural and functional analysis, formulaic sequencesAbstract
Language learning is a complex and time-intensive task. Learners need to be aware of multiple aspects of the language to become competent users. On the lexical level, learners encounter different ways of learning words, including lexical bundles. This study investigates the lexical bundles used by a group of Arab EFL learners in an informal, friendly discussion (a spoken register) during the academic year 2023-2024. Three master’s students were randomly selected for this study. Their informal conversation was analysed in terms of structural and functional usage. The results showed that proficiency level is a factor in the use of lexical bundles; the more proficient the learners, the more they use those formulaic sequences. The study advocates raising awareness of lexical bundles, as this could assist EFL learners and improve their language skills. Examining the utilisation of lexical bundles in various conversational settings and competence levels will require further research.
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