Multicultural aspects of idiomatic expressions and chrematonyms

Abstract

Idioms have always aroused the curiosity of linguists and there is a long tradition in the study of idioms, especially within the field of lexicology. This research aims to illustrate and discuss the relevance of idiomatic expressions for English language learners and to investigate a selection of idioms and chrematonyms that include ethnonyms. While native speakers tend to use idiomatic expressions spontaneously without thinking of their figurative meaning, for non-native learners, idioms are somehow difficult to acquire. Accurate explanation of their meanings, their cultural and historical correlations as well as a constant exposure to idiomatic expressions and constant usage increase the language learners’ communicative competence.