THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL BACKGROUND ON IDIOM COMPREHENSION IN EFL LEARNERS

Norpoʻlatova Nozima Yusufxon qizi

Uzbekistan State World languages university

Keywords: Keywords: Idioms, cultural background, metaphorical competence, EFL learners, cross-cultural communication, figurative language, semantic transfer, cultural schema.

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Abstract

Annotation: This article explores the impact of cultural background on idiom comprehension among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, with a special focus on the challenges faced by learners from culturally diverse contexts. Idioms, as culturally bound expressions, present considerable difficulties for language learners due to their figurative meanings, cultural references, and context-dependent usage. The research highlights how cultural knowledge, exposure to authentic language input, and learners’ L1 conceptual systems influence their ability to interpret and correctly use English idioms. A case study involving Uzbek EFL learners is presented to illustrate the relationship between cultural familiarity and idiomatic competence. Findings reveal that limited cultural schema, literal translation strategies, and insufficient exposure to English-speaking culture negatively affect idiom comprehension. The article concludes with pedagogical recommendations for integrating cultural awareness and idiom instruction into EFL curricula to enhance learners’ communicative competence.

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References

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