COLLOCATION COMPETENCY AMONG IRANIAN STUDENTS IN SWEDEN

Abstract: In the current study, a quantitative approach was taken to explore the impact of the first language on the transfer of lexical collocations, highlighting both positive and negative transfer effects. It explored the correlation between English language proficiency and collocation competency, along with the influence of gender on collocation competency. The current study investigated the phenomenon of transfer in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. It specifically focused on collocation competency among Iranian students studying in Sweden, using the cloze procedure. Transfer refers to how the learner’s first language affects their production in the target language, while collocation, which involves the frequent co-occurrence of words, poses a significant challenge for English learners as a foreign language. Understanding the importance of collocation competency in achieving English language proficiency, it becomes crucial to comprehend the mechanisms of transfer and its correlation with collocation competency. This knowledge is essential for developing effective language teaching strategies and improving overall English language proficiency in English as a foreign language.