Examining of formulaic expression use of turkish as a foreign language learners: Istanbul University case

This study aims to identify formulaic expressions in Turkish as a foreign language coursebooks, to examine the features of activities on formulaic expressions and to measure Turkish as a foreign language learners' competency in the use of formulaic expressions. Within this framework, document analysis as a qualitative research method was used to identify formulaic expressions in Istanbul Turkish for Foreigners A1, A2, B1 and B2 level coursebooks, selected as the sample of the study, to evaluate formulaic expressions used for each Common European Framework level and to analyze formulaic expression activities in the coursebooks. Formulaic expressions found in the coursebooks are listed alphabetically in accordance with language levels. Furthermore, the type and the content of activities and the skill aimed to be improved are presented. Then, to measure Turkish as a foreign language learners' competency in the use of formulaic expressions, survey method, a primary quantitative research type was used. At this stage, the sample consisting of 50 students who were about to complete B1 level Turkish class at Istanbul University School of Foreign Languages took a written exam. The data gathered from the test were analyzed in Microsoft Office 365 Excel and a frequency table for each question was created. Based on the results, as the language level increases, there are less formulaic expressions and fewer activities related to formulaic expressions in coursebooks. Also, the competency level of students in using formulaic expressions and frequently used formulaic expressions learnt either in class or outside of class are revealed.