To what extent do native and non-native writers make use of collocations?
Usage-based models claim that first language learning is based on the frequency-based analysis of memorised phrases. It is not clear though, whether adult second language learning works in the same way. It has been claimed that non-native language lacks idiomatic formulas, suggesting that learners neglect phrases, focusing instead on orthographic words. While a number of studies challenge the claim that non-native language lacks formulaicity, these studies have two important shortcomings: they fail to take account of appropriate frequency information and they pool the writing of different learners in ways that may mask individual differences. Using methodologies which avoid these problems, this study found that non-native writers rely heavily on high-frequency collocations, but that they underuse less frequent, strongly associated collocations (items which are probably highly salient for native speakers). These findings are consistent with usage-based models of acquisition while accounting for the impression that non-native writing lacks idiomatic phraseology.
Waandishi wenyeji na wasio wenyeji hutumiaje maneno ya pamoja? Mifano ya msingi wa matumizi inadai kwamba kujifunza lugha ya kwanza inategemea uchambuzi wa msingi wa mzunguko wa misemo iliyohifadhiwa. Hata hivyo, haijulikani wazi kama kujifunza lugha ya pili kwa watu wazima hufanya kazi kwa njia ileile. Inasemekana kwamba lugha zisizo za asili hazina formula za lugha, ikidokeza kwamba wanafunzi hupuuza misemo, wakikazia maneno ya maandishi. Ingawa utafiti kadhaa unapinga madai kwamba lugha zisizo za asili hazina formula, masomo haya yana mapungufu mawili muhimu: wanashindwa kuzingatia habari sahihi ya mzunguko na wanaunganisha maandishi ya wanafunzi tofauti kwa njia ambazo zinaweza kuficha tofauti za mtu binafsi. Kwa kutumia mbinu ambazo huepuka matatizo haya, utafiti huu uligundua kwamba waandishi wasio wa asili hutegemea sana collocations ya masafa ya juu, lakini kwamba hutumia chini ya mara kwa mara, collocations zinazohusiana sana (vitu ambavyo labda ni muhimu sana kwa wasemaji wa asili). Matokeo haya ni sawa na matumizi ya msingi mifano ya upatikanaji wakati akiba kwa hisia kwamba maandishi yasiyo ya asili haina idiomatic phraseology.