Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language

Authors : Nazim Işık, Suleyman Kasap

Pages : 1040-1067

Doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1783209

View : 99 | Download : 404

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examines psychological challenges regarding the linguistic and cultural barriers faced by Turkish undergraduate learners of English at upper-intermediate level. Using a mixed-method approach, researchers analyzed their encounters with idioms in authentic contexts within Turkey, revealing that cultural differences between English and Turkish create significant challenges, particularly in developing cultural competence. Findings indicate that challenges primarily stem from cognitive overload due to reliance on literal translation (e.g., \\\"kick the bucket\\\" as \\\"kovayı tekmelemek\\\") and the subsequent difficulty in mapping figurative meaning across divergent cultural frameworks. This necessitates shift from literal to figurative interpretation, additional mental resources, consistent with principles of cognitive load theory. The cognitive strain fuels anxiety and fear of error, amplified by the emotional and cultural dissonance found in concepts like \\\"hospitality\\\" or idiomatic insults (Lantolf & Thorne, 2007). Crucially, the study confirms that exposure to idioms in authentic, low-stress contextualized input significantly mitigates anxiety and boosts learner confidence and motivation. The results affirm that idiomatic competence is a complex socio-cultural negotiation, demanding affective adaptation alongside cognitive effort. The study recommends implementing enhanced language support and culturally sensitive pedagogical strategies to improve students\\\' academic integration and foster a more inclusive educational environment in Türkiye.
Keywords : Türk öğrenciler, , Psikolojik Zorluk, Dil Öğrenimi, Deyimler ve Konuşma Dili Sözcükleri

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