Collocational Learning and Language Learning Theories: from Theory to Practice

Abstract

Grammar and lexicon studies are categorized into two distinct linguistics fields. However, studies on chunks and collocations show that grammar and lexicon are not entirely separate elements. Understanding this union between grammar and lexicon is crucial for teachers and Spanish L2 material developers. Teaching collocations helps students achieve high linguistic competence and fluency. In considering collocations as complex units but cognitively treated as unique words, these word sequences can be consolidated in long-term memory as a single unit. Therefore, the use of collocations constitutes a large portion of the basics of speech itself. This article presents a critical-descriptive research summary on the main perspectives of Construction Grammar, language learning theories, and vocabulary acquisition, specifically collocations. In addition, the Lexical Approach is presented as an example of how to implement class-activities that take lexicon as a central pillar of the learning process. In conclusion, possible lines of research within this theoretical framework are put forth.