Idioms in English are secret codes of Millennials although they have become a part of literature as devices, which individuals use in their daily lives as well. They are usually confusing and complex sometimes for non-native English speakers, ESL learners because they’re different from Brainrot words.
Further, they represent one of the major obstacles for ESL learners towards achieving fluency in speaking. Why precisely? How can someone go about making sense of idioms? If you are interested in knowing more about this, then this blog post is for you!
What are Idioms and What Makes Them Unique?
Idioms are phrases or expressions in the English Language where the actual meaning is not obvious from the individual words.
For instance, “break the ice” literally means to break frozen water, but popularly carries the connotation to ease someone into conversation.
These phrases are capable of adding new dimensions to languages because they are depicted as culturally shared experiences and phenomena.
Such are the things that make these phrases different from others!
Why Idioms Matter for Fluency in the English Language?
Idioms are seen in common language all day long in movies, books, and even government reports. They are used to flavor language and enable speakers to express feelings, ideas, or humor in creative ways.
For ESL learners, the ability to control idioms is a sign that they have moved beyond the level of just translating words. As they are truly capable of grasping English subtleties to understand what first person is actually saying.
However, they cause some challenges for ESL learners. Why Is It So???
Why Are Idioms Difficult for ESL Learners?
The meanings of idioms can seldom be deduced from their component words and often require a certain level of understanding. Precisely, this is the reason why idioms tend to cause problems for ESL learners:
1. Phrasal Expressions Could Be Culturally Specific
“Barking up the wrong tree” is a popular idiom in English-speaking countries. Unfortunately, this and many other idioms do not translate into equally popular phrases in Hindi, French, and Mandarin.
Even the most advanced AI translation tools often struggle with cultural phrases. This shows that AI translation has some gaps to fill.
2. Lack of Context
Phrases such as “hit the ground running” and its variants in a formal or business setting need specific context.
In a work presentation, such phrases might make total sense, but a lack of prior context can create complete complexity from the real meaning.
3. Pop Culture Surroundings
United States and British cultured pupils casually speak idioms throughout day-to-day conversations or even in pop culture.
This societal norm becomes difficult to break for students who are taught ESL based on rote memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary.
How to Make Sense of Idioms with Structured Learning?
Systematic approaches can make decoding idioms easier, no matter how many obstacles are in the way. Using structured as well as contextual learning methods can assist learners to grasp, interpret and apply the idioms.
Here is the process:
1. Learn Idioms in Context
Trying to memorize idioms without context can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on learning idioms as they appear in real-life situations.
For instance, if an idiom comes up in a TV show or during a conversation, note the setting and how it was used.
2. Use Online ESL Courses
Platforms like SQA Education offer customized ESL online courses that deal with idioms and figurative language in creative ways.
With expert instructors and real-world examples, these courses allow learners to practice idioms through conversation and interactive activities.
3. Create a Visual Connection
Many idioms are tied to vivid images in humans’ brains 🧠. Think of a phrase like “burning the midnight oil,” it’s rooted in the old practice of working late at night by lamplight.
Such phrases create a mental image that helps you to remember them and relate to them for knowledge retention.
4. Practice with Tasting Notes
Treat idioms like tasting notes for coffee. For example, in coffee culture, words like “smooth” or “bold” describe flavor.
Similarly, idioms have emotional “flavors” that give them a certain tone. Try to classify idioms as formal, informal, humorous, or serious, and use them accordingly.
5. Engage in Idiom-based Games
Games like idiom charades, crossword puzzles, or even online quiz apps are a fun and low-pressure way to reinforce learning.
They allow learners to better recognize patterns and meanings in a relaxed environment.
6. Join a Community of Learners
Connecting with a community of fellow learners can be incredibly encouraging.
Platforms like discussion forums or language-specific blogs often host helpful conversations around idioms and tricky phrases for ESL learners.
Real-Life Examples of Idioms Across Different Cultures
Sometimes, understanding idioms in your native language can offer an insight into English expressions. Here are a few examples of idioms that have similar counterparts in other languages:
1. “A fish out of water”
Arabic equivalent: “Like a fish on land”
Meaning: to feel out of place.
2. “Put the cat in the bag.”
German equivalent (Die Katze im Sack kaufen): “Buy a cat in a sack”
Meaning: purchasing something without inspecting it.
Learners can sometimes unlock cultural parallels by observing idioms in both languages.
How Teachers Can Assist ESL Students Navigate Idioms
For an ESL educator, teaching idioms entails stressing the need to use them in real-life situations. Here are some ways educators can prepare students to be successful:
1. Provide Engaging Role-Playing Activities with Idioms
Set up cases like travel conversations, work-related discussions, and casual meet-ups. Which students can relate to and serve as contexts for practising the use of idioms
2. Teach the Most Used Idioms First
Use easier or more accessible idioms that students may encounter frequently in speech, like “cut to the chase” or “on the same wavelength.”
3. Utilize Other People’s Assessment Works
Tutors can use learning specialists who design word programs that cover idioms used within more comprehensive language programs.
Before You Go
Idioms are the most fascinating and important factors for non-native English speakers to learn to achieve a level of fluency. That’s the way ESL learners can speak the english language fluently while they are speaking to a native speaker.
At first, it is not so easy for them to understand the context of each idiom the first person uses. However, with each passing day of their regular practice or online course, they will become more fluent in speaking english language.
