Collocations in language teaching and learning

Abstract

This article introduces studies and research related to the teaching and learning of collocations in the Icelandic context. Collocations are word combinations formed by two elements: one is considered the base of the whole combination and the other (collocator) is selected by it. Although they normally show a transparent meaning (take a walk, heavy rain), their restriction is not always predictable, particularly for non-native learners. First, theoretical approaches that have been addressed in the Icelandic language are examined, drawing on the works of scholars such as Jónsson, Sverrisdóttir, Hallsteinsdóttir and Davíðsdóttir. Second, insights on several topics from both the Anglophone and Hispanic contexts are discussed. These topics are, among others, difficulties in acquiring collocations, phraseological competence, dictionaries and teaching materials. Finally, potential research is outlined that may prove fruitful for the study of collocations in Icelandic, further considering the increase of learners of the language and the availability of advanced digital tools to support linguistic analysis.