An Overall Study of Formulaic Expressions

Abstract

Defining formulaic expressions is rather controversial and problematic because it encompasses a variety of theories and approaches such as idioms, collocation, proverbs, sayings, etc. For this reason, this paper presents a brief survey of the contrasting perspectives. It starts with earlier views of formulas focusing on the identification and definition of such phenomena and ends with a working definition for this research as an attempt to analyse this distinctive phenomenon. The aims of the present study are: first, finding an operational definition to the formulaic expressions. Second, establishing a historical overview of formulaic expressions. Finding out the differences between formulaic expressions and other types of formulas. The study hypothesizes the following: first, the formulaic expressions are collocated words formed by speakers for easiness. Second, formulaic expressions have an ancient history. Third, many differences are indicated between formulaic expressions and other formulas.