AVOIDANCE OF PHRASAL VERBS BY ALBANIAN EFL STUDENTS

Jehona REXHEPI-ILJAZI, Agron ILJAZI

Abstract

Phrasal verbs are considered as a difficult and problematic area of study by both teachers and students of English as a foreign language. Students' identification and understanding of phrasal verbs can be limited due to the low level of exposure to them. Nonetheless, phrasal verbs take up a large number of the English vocabulary and ensure language fluency among students. Therefore, many researchers have studied students’ tendency to avoid using phrasal verbs when they can choose a one-word verb that is less complex. The complexity of phrasal verbs, especially of those with idiomatic meanings, makes it harder for students to understand them. Researchers and teachers of different nationalities have found that EFL students prefer using one-word equivalents and in most cases avoid using a phrasal verb with the same meaning. An overview of important studies presents different factors and reasons why this phenomenon of avoidance takes place. Moreover, this paper reveals findings of a study of phrasal verbs involving Albanian high school students who are foreign language learners of English. This study aimed at identifying any avoidance of phrasal verbs among these students when they were given other options through the use of tests. Moreover, proper instruction of phrasal verbs proved to be crucial in determining students’ avoidance of phrasal verbs. Consequently, the findings of the study revealed students' tendency to avoid phrasal verbs which was attributed to students’ insufficient exposure and instruction on phrasal verbs, as well as the lack of these verbs in the students’ first language.

Pages: 104 - 112