Abstract
In this article we argue that conceptual competence should be seen as a component of second language (L2) communicative competence. Abstract concepts are highly expressed by means of metaphors, metonymies, idioms and other types of figurative language. In literature it is suggested that knowledge and appropriate use of these lexical segments are closely related to L2 mastery and therefore conceptual instruction is expected to facilitate L2 learning. To test the relationship between conceptual and L2 competence we conducted an experiment in which Modern Greek learners were encouraged to express their views on the concept of happiness. The results showed their weak performance in conveying their ideas in a coherent and acceptable manner.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anastasiadi-Symeonidi A., Efthymiou A. (2006) Fixed expressions and the teaching of modern greek as a second language. Patakis, Athens [in Greek]
Babiniotis G. (2002) Dictionary of modern greek language, 2nd edn. Lexicology Center, Athens [in Greek]
Bachman L. F. (1990) Fundamental considerations in language testing. OUP, Oxford
Canale M., Swain M. (1980) Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics 1.1: 1–47
Celce-Murcia M., Dörnyei Z., Thurrell S. (1995) Communicative competence: A pedagogically motivated model with content specifications. Issues in Applied Linguistics 6.2: 5–35
Danesi M. (1992) Metaphor and classroom second language learning. Romance Languages Annual 3: 189–194
Danesi M. (1995) Learning and teaching languages: The role of “conceptual fluency”. International Journal of Applied Linguistics 5.1: 3–20
Danesi M. (2003) Second language teaching. A view from the right side of the brain. Kluwer, Dordrecht
Gibbs R. Jr. (1994) The poetics of mind. Figurative thought, language, and understanding. CUP, Cambridge
Johnson K. (2001) An introduction to foreign language learning and teaching. Pearson Education Limited, Essex
Kövecses Z. (2006) Language, mind, and culture. A practical introduction. OUP, Oxford
Mitsis N. (2004) The teaching of the language within the scope of the communicative approach. Introduction to the theory and the techniques of the communicative model. Gutenberg, Athens [in Greek]
Moschonas Sp. A. (2003) Before the teaching of Greek as a foreign language. In: Theophanopoulou-Kontou D. et al (eds) Current trends in Greek linguistics. Patakis, Athens, pp 87–107 [in Greek]
Saville-Troike M. (2006) Introducing second language acquisition. CUP, Cambridge
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Andreou, G., Galantomos, I. Conceptual Competence as a Component of Second Language Fluency. J Psycholinguist Res 38, 587–591 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-009-9122-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-009-9122-6