Idioms are the building block of English that uses symbolic elements to communicate meanings. Numerous phrases make learning about all of them strenuous leading to a gap in language learning process (Thyab, 2016). For native speakers, incorporating idiomatic expressions in conversations is easy because they are proficient in the language. Idioms intensify English language and is an important figurative expressions and metaphorical speech to reach a more native like language proficiency (Thyab, 2016). In everyday speech, the expressions give compelling insights that stimulate thought processes, especially for native speakers. However, for non-natives, the meanings vary and idioms are everywhere making it confusing and unpredictable for learners (Algiers, 2021). For learning to be easy, it is crucial to use techniques such as explaining the meanings, raising awareness on excessive use of expressions and educating staff on how to teach idioms (Algiers, 2021). Although it is difficult to understand each idiom, integrating learning strategies minimizes the confusion.
Idiomatic expressions have symbolic meanings, which makes it difficult for English learners to understand. El learners do not always know whether to comprehend the idiomatic expression’s deeper meaning or understand what is being said on the surface. For instance, phrases such as he kicked the bucket, may lead the recipient of a message no to comprehend that someone died. In context, non-native speakers have been found to have the inability to use the expression or understand their meanings (Thyab, 2016). Additionally, different generations can have different expressions, which complicates conversations and learning. For instance, how grandparents use certain could have varying meaning for the current generation. Therefore, for ease of understanding, it is critical to understand the origins of phrases and utilize them through experiences to enhance metaphorical comprehension of new phrases.
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In learning, broad scope and difficulty in understanding idioms are the major challenges for English learners. The idiomatic expression are symbolic and their deviation from literal meaning makes it challenging to incorporate what individuals learn into their daily lives. Additionally, non-natives are from different backgrounds with varying experiences, which means they might not associate what is being taught with their lives (Thyab, 2016). For non-natives, it is easier to learn languages when they are not too structured or rehearsed, which is usually not the case for idioms. Also, there are thousands of them integrated in everyday conversations that can leave the English learner baffled (Algiers, 2021). For instance, with an expression such as "let off steam" to master the idiom, one has to rehearse what the more profound meaning is and at the same time, learn when to use each phrase in context. Their expansive scope means that there is no way to know all of the expressions at once.
As an educator, it is essential to focus on teaching through experience and use stories to grab attention. Experience invokes a discovery process that allows students to associate meanings with what they see, hear, read and watch. Additionally, through experience, teachers can gauge reactions and understand how idioms in actual contexts help meet the intended learning goal (Thyab, 2016). While it might not guarantee that students will get the correct meanings, they are much more likely to comprehend the symbolic aspect and gain knowledge on expressions they might encounter in daily engagements. Also, it is essential to use stories since they allow the instructor to pause and explain meanings to the audience (Algiers, 2021). It also ensures that learners can ask questions on what they do not understand, which helps them comprehend the meaning by associating words with the characters in the readings. Stories and experience enhance personalized learning, which is essential for non-native students.
References
Algiers, A. (2021). Challenge of Idioms for Language Learners — Confianza. https://ellstudents.com/blogs/the-confianza-way/challenge-of-idioms-for-language-learners
Thyab, A.R. (2016).The Necessity of idiomatic expressions to English Language learners. International Journal of English and literature . 7(7).
