Sözcükten konuşmaya: Eşdizimlerin ikinci dilde konuşma yeterliliğindeki rolü

This study investigates the relationship between young adult Turkish EFL learners' receptive knowledge of collocations and their speaking proficiency, as well as the production of collocations during spontaneous speech. A quantitative research design was employed with 67 pre-service teachers enrolled in an ELT program at a state university in Turkey. Participants were assessed using a Collocational Knowledge Test and a Speaking Proficiency Test, with additional analysis of collocations produced during speaking performance. Results revealed a moderate positive correlation between collocational competence and speaking proficiency. However, the number of collocations produced in speech exhibited a weak correlation with receptive knowledge, indicating a disconnection between recognition and production. These findings suggest that while collocational competence enhances speaking proficiency, other factors have a greater influence in collocation use during spontaneous speech. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating collocational instruction into language teaching practices to foster more natural spoken English.