Effects of formulaic language on EFL learners’ speaking performance

Abstract

Formulaic language has been assumed to assist English learners’ speaking performance due to its characteristic of facilitating language production and comprehension. Accordingly, over the last years, researchers have attempted to demonstrate whether formulaic language might develop and improve English learners speaking ability. This research synthesis explores and analyzes the influence and the effects of formulaic language on EFL learners’ speaking performance. Eighteen studies published since the year 2000, which showed positive and negative outcomes regarding the issue of investigation, were synthesized and analyzed. Findings showed that formulaic language plays a significant role in developing English learners’ speaking skills. Subsequently, fluency is one of the major effects that the knowledge of formulaic language might bring to learners’ speaking performance. Additionally, these results suggest that the availability of formulaic language can help learners add fluency to their speech, and therefore, come across as proficient speakers. The outcomes of the present research synthesis can raise awareness of the suitability of teaching and learning formulaic language and promote further investigations regarding the phenomena to ascertain a clearer standpoint.