ENGLISH COLLOCATIONS Final assignment for Semantics

MÉu b×a bµi tËp c¸c m«n häc PAGE English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C Vietnam National University of Hanoi University of Languages and International studies Post Graduate Studies ENGLISH COLLOCATIONS Final assignment for Semantics Student’s name Do Thu Phuong Course K18, 2009 2011 Lecturer’s name Dr Ha Cam Tam Due date June 28, 2010 Hanoi 2010 ABSTRACT This research paper aims at discovering English collocations which have received less attention than idioms or phrasal verbs so far Withi.

Vietnam National University of Hanoi University of Languages and International studies Post Graduate Studies ENGLISH COLLOCATIONS Final assignment for Semantics Student’s name: Do Thu Phuong Course: K18, 2009 - 2011 Lecturer’s name: Dr Ha Cam Tam Due date: June 28, 2010 Hanoi - 2010 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C ABSTRACT This research paper aims at discovering English collocations which have received less attention than idioms or phrasal verbs so far Within the scope of this final assignment, focus is put on an overview of English collocations but no comparison with other related phenomena, and the examples for illustration are extracted mainly from the course books (New Headway pre-Intermediate 3rd edition and New Headway preIntermediate 3rd edition) By using reliable secondary data and authentic primary data, I will present several features and categories of English collocations and illustrated them by different examples Besides, from my observations and personal teaching experience, I would like to give some advice on how to learn collocations naturally and teach them effectively English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION CONTENT Page Definition of English collocations Features of English collocations 2.1 Arbitrariness 2.1.1 Arbitrariness in formation 2.1.2 Arbitrary restriction 2.2 Syntactic modifiability Classifications of English collocations Discussions and recommendations CONCLUSION 10 Reference 11 Appendix 12 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C INTRODUCTION As a teacher of English at Hanoi University of Technology, I have been trying hard to find an appropriate way to enrich vocabulary for my technical students who are always concerning the meaning of a word only However, when learning vocabulary, it is not just enough for students to know the meaning of a word because they need to pronounce it correctly as well as identify its grammar characteristics and more importantly, they need to know which words it usually collocates with Fortunately, my first year students’ main course books (New Headway preIntermediate, 3rd edition and New Headway Intermediate, 3rd edition) include out of 12 vocabulary units about word collocations Those parts give our students a good opportunity to enrich their vocabulary and make correct sentences However, many teachers at my English department, I included, find English collocations rather confusing On the one hand, English words are collocated almost arbitrarily On the other hand, the collocations are so diverse and even mistaken from idioms and multiword units To overcome these problems, I decided to conduct a research on English collocations From the discussions and findings, I would like to propose some pieces of advice for learning and teaching collocations in general and those in our main course books in particular English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C CONTENT Definition of English collocations The term “collocation” was first mentioned in the 19 th century by J.R.Firth but until now it still remains a headache with different views from linguists and researchers From a more applied linguistic point of view, “collocation” is defined as follows: “Collocation is concerned with the ways words occur together, often in unpredictable ways” (Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell) or “Collocation is the way words combine in a language to produce natural-sounding speech and writing” (Oxford Collocations Dictionary) or “Collocation is the way in which words are used together regularly Collocations refer to restrictions on how words can be used together, for instance, which prepositions are used with the particular verbs or which verbs and nouns are used together” From the above-mentioned definitions, we can generally understand that collocation is the way words often go together For example, we often say fast food, fast train, but it seems to be unnatural to say quick food or quick train but quick meal or quick shower although those adjectives have the same meaning In other cases, we may hear strong coffee rather than powerful coffee, a nice horse but not a beautiful horse Moreover, we often say make a cake but never a cake, homework, but not make homework, and so on Features of English collocations 2.1 Arbitrariness 2.1.1 Arbitrariness in formation The arbitrariness in formation of English collocations can be seen easily from several examples in the previous part In fact, there is no cohesive rule for the formation of collocations As a result, the best way for English learners to use collocations correctly is to learn by heart They may learn such phrases as make peace/war but military service, drink water but take medicine without being able to explain its co-occurrence principles Although English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C advanced learners and native speakers know collocations well and use them naturally, they still fail to explain why tell the truth is correct while say the truth is unacceptable 2.1.2 Arbitrary restriction on the substitution of the elements of a collocation The arbitrariness also takes place in the substitution of the elements of a collocation From time to time, the substitution is restricted For example, we can say highly sophisticated, and we can say extremely happy Both adverbs have the same lexical function, which is adding the degree, or magnifying the impact of the adjectives (sophisticated, happy) However, they are not interchangeable Still, other adverbs, such as very can replace both highly and extremely 2.2 Syntactic modifiability Unlike the majority of idioms, collocations are subject to syntactic modification In other words, the position of components in some collocations can be interchangeable following grammatical rules For instance, we can say effective writing and write effectively, or it rains heavily and heavy rain Classification of English collocations English collocations can be classified into various categories based on different criteria, namely structure, semantic relations and strength In the scope of my study and with a view to helping my students use English collocations effectively, I would like to classify English collocations according to the criterion of structure English collocations are structurally divided into two main types: lexical collocations and grammatical collocations The former are those that consist of at least one preposition that is fixed in the collocation and the other is a base word such as noun, verb or adjective There are four patterns of grammatical collocations:  Noun + Preposition: approval of, solution to, in favor of • He finally managed to find the solution to the problem • The agreement still lacks approval of the committee English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C •  I am no longer in favor of his aggressive attitude Verb + Preposition: think of, lead to, access to • Let’s think of both bad and good points • His carelessness led to a series of serious consequences • It is not easy for students in rural areas to get access to Internet  Adjective + Preposition: interested in, afraid of, and surprised at • We are not interested in learning technical terms • Do not be afraid of hardship • All students in class Bk30 were surprised at Hung’s mark in English final test  Preposition + Noun: at home, by mistake, on purpose • Remember to revise the lesson at home • I took your handbag home by mistake • He was claimed to cheat in the exam on purpose The latter or lexical collocations, in contrast, not include any preposition but only content words such as noun, verb, adjective or adverb There sub patterns are as follows:  Adverb + Adjective • This is the most surprisingly modern style I have ever seen • We entered a colorfully decorated room • Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?  Adjective + Noun • The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise • The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage • He has been digging the garden in hot weather  Noun + Noun • Jack has gone for a job interview English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C • The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 11am • I'd like to buy two bars of soap please  Noun + Verb • His face is burning because he has been digging in the garden all morning • Snow was falling as our plane took off • The bomb went off when he started the car engine  Verb + Noun • Hurry up or you will miss the bus • I always try to my homework in the morning, after making my bed • He has been asked to give advice on this issue  Verb + Adjective • She fell asleep during the lecture • How to keep fit and stay healthy? • This type of fish sauce smells terrible  Verb + Adverb • I did my homework quickly and run as fast as possible to the amusement center • Mary whispered softly in John's ear • I vaguely remember that it was growing dark when we left  Adverb + Verb • I wonder why you can peacefully sleep during my lecture • Highly appreciate your prompt response • You only half understand what I mean Discussions and recommendations English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C From the previous parts, you can see that it is totally not easy to learn and use English collocations expertly and naturally Here are some pieces of advice that you should follow to learn them:  Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them  Treat collocations as single blocks of language Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and learn strongly support, not strongly + support  When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it (remember rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly)  Read as much as possible as reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and naturally  Revise what you learn regularly and practice using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning them  Learn collocations in groups that work for you You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam)  You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary and you can also find specialized dictionaries of collocations Once you have mastered the English collocations, you will manage to find an appropriate method to teach them From my observations and teaching experience, students often make no distinction between grammatical collocations and lexical collocations What they want to learn is how to find the right collocated words to make meaningful sentences Therefore, it is not necessary to emphasize the two categories of collocation but focus more on the patterns Among all patterns provided in the two course books, the verb + noun patterns are the most widely used and tested However, students also often get confused with the patterns as they are so diverse To solve the problems, many teachers have tried to input them in students’ English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C memory by encouraging them to practice through a lot of exercise like matching, identifying a verb that does not go with one among a group of nouns, fill in the blank with a correct noun/verb, etc) In my opinion, exercise is effective in helping students consolidate what they have learnt and it really works well if the exercise is designed carefully The following is an extra exercise to help students identify different collocations of “make, do, take and get” when they learn vocabulary about hot verbs on page 73, New Headway pre-Intermediate, 3rd edition Fill in each blank with make, do, take or get 1……………war/peace 2……………nothing ……… …a shower 4…… military service 5…… a lot of money …… on well with 10 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C 7………a good mark ……some medicine Besides pictures, games also show its great significance in teaching collocations because the language output or the need to speak and write to express themselves in the games actually urges students to learn the collocations Just make sure the games can cover the collocations they have learned and they should be challenging enough to encourage and motivate students CONCLUSION English collocations are almost vital to those who learn English, especially the advanced learners and language teachers By mastering the collocations, your language will be more natural and more easily understood Moreover, you will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself and it is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words Due to the limit of the final assignment, my research can cover neither the different views to explain the collocation phenomenon in English nor the distinction from some related language phenomena such as idioms, multiword units, etc However, I hope that my study will be a useful source for my colleagues who have to teach collocations required by the course books and for those who want to learn more about English collocations 11 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C References John and Liz Soars New Headway pre-Intermediate rd edition Student’s book Oxford University Press John and Liz Soars New Headway Intermediate 3rd edition Student’s book Oxford University Press Le Thi An Son, “English Collocations and the translation of lexical collocations into Vietnamese in literary context” B.A Thesis - Hanoi University of Technology, 2006 Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell “English Collocations in use” Cambridge University Press Norbert Schmitt (2000).Vocabulary in language Teaching Cambridge University Press Stuart Redman (1999).Basic Vocabulary in Use Cambridge University Press “Collocations – samples” Online posting http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/collocations-samples.htm Deveci, Tanij “Why and how to teach Collocations” Online posting http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vols42/no2/p16.html> 12 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C APPENDIX Short lists of common collocations extracted from vocabulary in New Headway preIntermediate 3rd edition and New Headway Intermediate, 3rd edition Lexical collocations Verb + Noun have a bath get permission have a good time Get nowhere have a drink Get upset have a rest Get a message have lunch/dinner go camping have lunch business go fishing nothing Go sailing someone a favor Go overseas the cooking Go abroad the housework go on foot the shopping go bad the washing up Go wrong your best go for a walk your hair go bankrupt your homework Say hello make a mess Say goodbye make a mistake Tell the time make a noise Tell the truth make an effort Tell a lie make a fortune Tell a joke make money Tell a story make progress Lose weight take a break Gain weight take a rest Keep a promise Noun + Noun A bar of soap Airmail A bar of chocolates Airport a bar of chocolatea bar A bottle of water hairbrush A bottle of wine Hairdresser A bottle of champagne Toothpaste A bunch of flowers Toothbrush A bunch of bananas toothache A bunch of people Dining room A cube of ice Changing room A cube of sugar Waiting room A loaf of bread Credit card A pile of plates Birthday card A pile of clothes Business card A roll of toilet paper Shopping center A school of fish Shopping list A group of people Window frame A flock of birds Sunset A pack of cards Sunglasses A package of tea Suntan A sheet of paper Teacup A sheet of metal Teaspoon A plate of metal Teapot A piece of cake Post office A piece of information Postcard 13 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C Verb + Noun take a seat Keep a secret take a taxi Keep the peace take an exam Give advice take notes Give information Get lost Give a present Get home Miss the bus Get married Miss the family Get divorced Miss the ball Grammatical collocations Noun + Noun A cup of tea/coffee fireplace A class of beer Fire engine A package of tea firework A pair of jeans Sleeping pill A pair of scissors Sleeping child A couple of days Wrapping paper A dozen of eggs Toilet paper A tube of toothpaste keyboard Noun + Preposition Reason for Demand for Verb + Preposition Care about Thank about/of Adj + Preposition Amazed at Surprised at Preposition + Noun By chance By mistake Cause of Increase in Decrease in Solution to Answer to Response to Damage to Plan on Reply to Invitation to Attitude toward Contact with Consequence of Look at Laugh at Depend on Rely on Consist of Apply for Pay for Wait for Dream of Consist of Speak to Talk to Listen to Good/bad for Sorry for Famous for Responsible for Aware of Afraid of Nice to Kind to Polite to Similar to Different from Crowded with Bored with By car In one’s car In one’s opinion In English In ink In capital letter On TV On the radio On vacation On business On fire On strike On a diet 14 English collocations by Do Thu Phuong – k18C 15 ... at Depend on Rely on Consist of Apply for Pay for Wait for Dream of Consist of Speak to Talk to Listen to Good/bad for Sorry for Famous for Responsible for Aware of Afraid of Nice to Kind to... not make homework, and so on Features of English collocations 2.1 Arbitrariness 2.1.1 Arbitrariness in formation The arbitrariness in formation of English collocations can be seen easily from several... the previous part In fact, there is no cohesive rule for the formation of collocations As a result, the best way for English learners to use collocations correctly is to learn by heart They may