English idioms: a cultural consideration

Othman, Khairiah and Abdul Malik, Faridah and Engku Ibrahim, Engku Haliza (2015) English idioms: a cultural consideration. In: 2015 International Symposium on Education and Psychology (ISEP 2015), 8th-10th September 2015, Kyoto, Japan. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Many advocate that a mastery of idioms is a reflection of native speakers’ proficiency. While idioms are an important part of language, language reflects culture. The aim of the study was to investigate Muslim students’ perspective of English idioms, as to whether there are English idioms which are not in line with the students’ value system. The study employed a qualitative method using document analysis and group discussions. Ninety idioms were chosen and evaluated by Muslim postgraduate students pursuing Master’s degree in English language studies in an Islamic institution. The findings indicate the presence of English idioms which are incongruent with Islamic values, hence the tendency for Muslim learners to view the learning of English negatively. This study has pedagogical implications on teaching English to Muslim students.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Plenary Papers)
Additional Information:	2043/45915
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Idioms – Muslim students – culture – ESL/EFL
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PE English
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > English Language Division Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD)
Depositing User:	Dr Khairiah Othman
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2016 11:49
Last Modified:	15 May 2020 12:50
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/45915

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