EFL In-service Teachers and Teachers' Perceptions of Challenges in Teaching Idioms to B1 Learners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.25415

Keywords:

teaching idioms, EFL learners, teachers’ perceptions

Abstract

Teaching idioms in English language classrooms has been extensively investigated by researchers around the world. This study examines the difficulties that EFL in-service teachers and teachers face when teaching idioms to B1 learners and their perceptions of the cultural aspects involved. The findings indicate that teachers encounter challenges due to learners' difficulties with understanding the figurative meanings of idioms, limited availability of suitable textbooks, and a lack of opportunities for contextual learning. The findings also highlight the importance of culture in understanding idioms and suggest that integrating cultural insights can improve idiomatic proficiency and communication skills. The study emphasizes the necessity of implementing contextualized teaching strategies to address these challenges.

Author Biographies

Nguyen Duong Nhu Quynh, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Vietnam

Nguyen Duong Nhu Quynh is a postgraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses Tesol-majored teachers’ challenges in teaching idioms to EFL B1 students, as well as those teachers’ strategies to teach idioms effectively. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where she is currently conducting her research.

Bui Thi Huyen, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Vietnam

Bui Thi Huyen is a postgraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses Tesol-majored teachers challenges in teaching idioms to EFL B1 students, as well as those teachers’ strategies to teach idioms effectively. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where she is currently conducting her research.

References

Alqahtani, M. (2015). The Importance Of Vocabulary In Language Learning And How To Be Taught. International Journal of Teaching and Education, III(3), 21-34. https://doi.org/10.20472/TE.2015.3.3.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.20472/TE.2015.3.3.002

Amin, N. M. (2019). An Assessment of Teaching Idioms at College Level: A Case Study. Journal of University of Human Development (JUHD), 5(3), 79-86. https://doi.org/10.21928/juhd.v5n3y2019.pp79-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21928/juhd.v5n3y2019.pp79-86

Aridasarie, Z., & Tabiati, S. E. (2022). Behind a Spoken Discourse: Idiomatic Expressions in IELTS Speaking Test. Journal of English Language Teaching, 11(3), 169-178. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/elt.v11i3.57604 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/elt.v11i3.57604

Asl, F. M. (2013). The Impact of Context on Learning Idioms in EFL Classes. MEXTESOL Journal, 37(1), 1-12. Retrieved from: https://www.mextesol.net/journal/public/files/d12066c8e1a9ea6a456a98b67f75 da1b.pdf

Baker, M. (2018). In Other Words - A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge. Benson, B. E. (2003). Framing culture within classroom practice: Culturally relevant teaching. Action in Teacher Education, 25(2), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/01626620.2003.10463301 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01626620.2003.10463301

Boers, F. (2000). Metaphor awareness and vocabulary retention. Applied Linguistics, 21, 553–71. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/21.4.553 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/21.4.553

Çakır, I. (2011). How do learners perceive idioms in EFL classes? Ekev Akademi Dergisi Yıl, 15(47), 378 - 381. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335892947_How_do_learners_percei ve_idioms_in_EFL_classes

Chan, V. (2021). Factors influencing intelligibility and comprehensibility: a critical review of research on second language English speakers. Journal of English learner education, 12(1), 6. Retrieved from https://stars.library.ucf.edu/jele/vol12/iss1/6

Cooper, T. C. (1998). Teaching Idioms. Foreign Language Annals, 31(2), 255-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.1998.tb00572.x

Cooper, T. C. (1999). Processing of Idioms by L2 Learners of English. TESOL Quarterly, 33(2), 233-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3587719

British Council (2024). IELTS. From How IELTS is assessed: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/teach-ielts/test-information/assessment

Crozet, C., & Liddicoat, A. J. (1999). The challenge of intercultural language teaching: Engaging with culture in the classroom. Striving for the third place: Intercultural competence through language education, 113-125.

De Caro, E. E. (2009). The Advantages and Importance of Learning and Using Idioms in English. Cuadernos de Lingüística Hispánica, 14, 132.

Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229040775_The_Advantages_and_I mportance_of_Learning_and_Using_Idioms_in_English

Fomenko, T., Bilotserkovets, M., Klochkova, T., Statsenko, O., Sbruieva, A., Kozlova, O., & Kozlov, D. (2020). Overcoming barriers in intercultural communication: a case study on agricultural idioms in English, Ukrainian and Chinese. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(6), 157-166. https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2020-0120 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2020-0120

Gathigia, M. G., & Njoroge, M. C. (2016). The teaching of English idioms in Kenyan secondary schools: Difficulties and effective strategies. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 7(2), 33-40. Retrieved from https://journals.aiac.org.au/index.php/alls/article/view/2119 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.7n.2p.33

Hinkel, E. (2017). Teaching Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases: Insights and Techniques. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 5(3), 46-59. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1156200.pdf

Inuw, K. A., & Sule, H. M. (2022). The Role of Idiomatic Expressions in Improving Communicative Competence among Selected Learners of Higher Institutions within Maiduguri. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 11(3), 25-31. Retrieved from https://www.arcnjournals.org/images/2022-ARCN-JSSH-11-3- 3.pdf

Irujo, S. (1986). Don't Put Your Leg in Your Mouth: Transfer in the Acquisition of Idioms in a Second Language. TESOL Quarterly, 20(2), 287-326. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED253114.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3586545

Jermoskin, S. (2017). The cognitive linguistic approach to teaching idioms: a case study with Estonian secondary school EFL learners. Tartus: University of Tartu.

Retrieved from https://dspace.ut.ee/server/api/core/bitstreams/79bb94d4-0dcd- 4020-88b1-c4a571a48018/content

Jiang, W. (2000). The relationship between culture and language. ELT journal, 54(4), 328-334. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/54.4.328

Ke, P. (2019). Contrastive Linguistics (Vol. 1). Springer.

Li, X. (2010). Conceptual metaphor theory and the teaching of English and Chinese idioms. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 1(3), 206-210. Retrieved from https://www.academypublication.com/issues/past/jltr/vol01/03/03.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.1.3.206-210

Linh, T. T. (2021). Learners’ andLecturers’ Perceptions of Idioms Teaching andLearning in Speaking Skill for Freshmen at FOE, Thuongmai University. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 1(3), 37 - 50. Retrieved from https://i-jte.org/index.php/journal/article/view/89

Liontas, J. I. (2017). Why Teach Idioms? A Challenge to the Profession. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 5(3), 5-25. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1156198.pdf

Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). (2018). Chương trình giáo dục phổ thông -

Chương trình môn tiếng Anh [General education curriculum - English curriculum]. Retrieved 11 April, 2024, from http://tieuhocauco.pgdrachgia.edu.vn/upload/18281/fck/files/Chuong-trinh- giao-duc-pho-thong-mon-tieng-anh.pdf

Maisa, S., & Karunakaran, T. (2013). Idioms and importance of teaching idioms to ESL learners: A study on teacher beliefs. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (AJHSS), 1(1), 110-122. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/3431943/Idioms_and_Importance_of_Teaching_Idi oms_to_ESL_Learners_A_Study_on_Teacher_Beliefs_Volume_1_Issue_1_Ma y_2013

Nation, P., & Meara, P. (2020). Vocabulary. In An Introduction to Applied Linguistics (p. 35). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429424465-3

Neuman, S. B., & Dwyer, J. (2009). Missing in Action: Vocabulary Instruction in Pre- K. The reading teacher, 62(5), 384 - 392. Retrieved from https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/88009/RT.62.5.2.pdf; sequence=1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1598/RT.62.5.2

Nguyen, D. M. Q. (2024). The Effects of Culture Shock on The Cultural Adaptation of Overseas Students in Thailand at King Mongkut’s University. International Journal of Language Instruction, 3(4), 93-109. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.24345 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.24345

Orfan, S. N. (2020). Afghan EFL learners’ difficulties and strategies in learning and understanding English idioms. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 7(1), 1796228 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2020.1796228 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2020.1796228

Oxford University Press. (2024). Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. In Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/idiom?q=idiom

Pollio, H. R., Barlow, J. M., Fine, H. J., & Pollio, M. R. (2023, October 1). Psychology and the Poetics of Growth. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003454656

Ramlan, S., Abashah, A., Samah, I., Rashid, I., & Radzi, W. N. W. M. (2018). The impact of language barrier and communication style in organizational culture on expatriate’s working performance. Management Science Letters, 8(6), 659- 666. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.msl.2018.4.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.msl.2018.4.025

Rizq, W. M. (2015). Teaching English Idioms to L2 Learners: ESL Teachers’ Perspective. Retrieved from https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/engl_etds/19

Saleh, N., & Zakaria, N. (2013). Investigating the difficulties faced in understanding, and strategies used in processing, English idioms by the Libyan learners. International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies, 1(2), 69- 90. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/4481493/Investigating_the_Difficulties_Faced_in_ Understanding_and_Strategies_Used_in_Processing_English_Idioms_by_the_ Libyan_Learners_by_Noura_Winis_Ibrahim_Saleh_and_Dr_Mohammed_Hass an_Zakaria_Malaysia

Siyanova-Chanturia, A., & Martinez, R. (2015). The idiom principle revisited. Applied Linguistics, 36(5), 549-569. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amt054

Suhodolli, M. (2019). The Importance Of Idioms In Learning English Language By The Albanian Learners In EFL Classrooms. International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), 7(1), 508 - 510.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/8355 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/8355

Suhodolli, M. (2022). Importance Of Teaching And Learning Idioms At University Level In Kosovo-A New Perspective. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(8), 2559-2585. Retrieved from https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/10265

Thach, T. D. L. (2022). Teachers’ perceptions of comprehensible input on English vocabulary acquisition. International Journal of Language Instruction, 1(1), 120-131. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.221110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.221110

Tran, H. Q. (2012). An Explorative Study of Idiom Teaching for Pre-service Teachers of English. English Language Teaching, 5(12), 76 - 86. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1080172.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v5n12p76

Vasiljevic, Z. (2015). Teaching and Learning Idioms in L2: From Theory to Practice. MEXTESOL Journal, 39(4), 1 -20. Retrieved from https://www.mextesol.net/journal/public/files/b97a7cef9cf17f841d8f8a0008a6 2c18.pdf

Vũ, N. N. (2009). Ứng dụng Lý thuyết Ẩn Dụ Ý Niệm trong Ngôn ngữ học Tri nhận vào việc Giảng dạy Thành ngữ Tiếng Anh. Tạp chí Khoa học Đhsp Tp.HCM, 17, 53-54. Retrieved from https://journal.hcmue.edu.vn/index.php/hcmuejos/article/viewFile/1220/1211

Wang, X. Y., & Li, Z. Z. (2014). Translating idioms based on the principle of equivalence. US-China Foreign Language, 12(2), 171-175. Retrieved from https://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/5519fe46c21f5.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.17265/1539-8080/2014.02.008

Wray, A. (2000). Formulaic sequences in second language teaching: Principle and practice. Applied linguistics, 21(4), 463-489. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/21.4.463

Yağiz, O., & Izadpanah, S. (2013). Language, Culture, Idioms, and Their Relationship with the Foreign Language. Journal of Language Teaching & Research, 4(5), 953-957. https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.4.5.953-957 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.4.5.953-957

Downloads

Published

01-03-2025

How to Cite

Nguyen, D. N. Q., & Bui, T. H. (2025). EFL In-service Teachers and Teachers’ Perceptions of Challenges in Teaching Idioms to B1 Learners. International Journal of Language Instruction, 4(1), 65–82. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.25415

Issue

Section

Research Article

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.