Bloomsbury Academic Fundamentals of Formulaic Language: An Introduction

This is the first book to address formulaic language directly and provide a foundation of knowledge for graduates and researchers in early stages of study of this important language phenomenon. It is also suitable for students of linguistics, applied linguistics, and language teacher education. The information that currently exists is scattered throughout articles and book chapters across a range of subfields of linguistics and applied linguistics. Over the past few decades there has been a steadily increasing interest and research focus on the phenomenon of formulaic language in the fields of linguistics and applied linguistics. Slowly, a consistent definition has emerged, centring around the idea that formulaic sequences are multi-word units with specific meanings or functions, and some evidence points to their being processed mentally as wholes. Researchers from diverse backgrounds have identified the nature and roles of formulaic sequences in language acquisition and production, in the construction of text and discourse, in spoken and written language, and in language teaching. The increasing volume, diversity, and complexity of the state of knowledge about this emerging area of study is marshalled by this intelligent and well-written book. Review A comprehensive yet accessible introduction to research on formulaic language. Fundamentals of Formulaic Language provides a wide coverage of topics such as identification, processing, acquisition, and teaching of formulaic language, concluding with a useful discussion of future directions for research. The up-to-date examination of this highly researched area in Applied Linguistics will make it a valuable resource for graduate students, researchers, and experienced teachers. --Stuart Webb, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Western University, CanadaThis is a timely and valuable contribution to the field of formulaic language. Each chapter includes an accessible introduction and gives a comprehensive overview of the literature in the field. Practical ideas and examples are provided and supplementary questions at the end of each chapter are valuable to use in class and give inspiration to researchers. This will become an essential textbook for postgraduate and undergraduate students of linguistics, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, lexis, and language teaching. --Kazuhiko Namba, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Kyoto Sangyo University, JapanIn Fundamentals of Formulaic Language: An Introduction, David Wood presents a highly readable synthesis of current knowledge that will interest language instructors and stimulate further research on this topic in SLA and applied linguistics. He first traces the path from such diverse early areas of study as epic sung poetry, aphasia, phraseology and collocations to our current recognition of the essential role of formulaic multi-word sequences in first and second language learning, processing and fluent use. The books systematic coverage of current conceptualizations of formulaic language, relevant research perspectives and methods, and increasing attention to theoretical issues, with summaries and thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter, make it a useful introductory reference and likely graduate textbook. A particular value for second language instructors is Woods attention to the challenges formulaic language poses for adult learners in achieving oral and written fluency, his own research area. The comprehensive, up-to-date bibliography is a valuable tool for researchers. Throughout the book, Wood makes clear the gaps in knowledge and methodological issues to be resolved, and in the last chapter, the need to focus on developing adequate theory to account for what is known. The existence of this book moves the starting point and will almost certainly contribute to progress towards that goal. --Marjorie Wesche, former Professor and Director, Second Language Institute, University of Ottawa, Cana