Construction grammar and foreign/second language teaching

Abstract

Construction Grammar (CxG) is a cognitively based approach to language analysis that has become quite well-developed and whose methods and techniques have been well-documented in the vast body of literature presenting studies on various issues of (predominantly English) language. CxG recognizes language as a set of complex linguistic units called constructions and regards lexicon and syntax as two poles along a continuum. After introductory chapter on basic notions and concepts of CxG this paper presents the constructionist framework as a viable tool for L2 instruction which in combination with other teaching techniques and methods can guide L2 students to the desired levels of proficiency and accuracy while at the same time raising their language and cultural awareness.