Different Approaches to the Concept of Collocation in English: Why Learn Collocations?

Abstract

Research background. A collocation is a combination of two or more words that are commonly used together
in English. Collocation is an indispensable element of any English text and no piece of natural spoken or written
language is totally free of collocation. There exist different approaches to the concept of collocations in English.
However, there is no exhaustive and uniform definition or categorization of it. Second language learners do not have
many guidelines to follow considering the admissibility of collocation, thus collocations seem to be an insurmountable
obstacle to the attainment of native like fluency and is one of error generating areas in general English and especially
in EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and ESP (English for Special Purposes).
Research aims were to analyze and systemize different theoretical approaches to the concept of collocation in
English with reference to the data of scientific research as well as give the answer why collocations should be learned
and taught at all levels of language proficiency and within different registers.
Research method used – theoretical analysis of classical and modern research articles on collocation in English.
Research  results.  Various  linguistic  schools  have  had  different  approaches  to  the  study  of  collocations.
Acquisition  of  collocations  can  be  the  source  of  particular  difficulties  for  L2  leaners  in  attaining  native-level
competence. Collocations should be taught from the very beginning at all levels of language proficiency .
Discussion and conclusions. As a result of analysis and systemization of scientific data the following conclusions
have been made:
1. Collocation is a lexical co-occurrence of lexemes. In order a lexical combination could be called a collocation
it should satisfy the criterion of frequency and grammatical structure;
2. Lexis and grammar cannot be separated;
3. Lexis is inseparable from semantics.
4.  Knowledge  of  collocations  can  help  develop  language  proficiency  in  such  areas  as  English  for  Specific
Purposes (ESP) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Students’ motivation to learn collocations and make
good use of them in their essays, research works and academic language should be increased.

Keywords: collocational, co-occurrence, language acquisition, register.