Investigating Students’ Perception and Utilization of Idioms in Spoken English – A Case Study at Hanoi Open University

Abstract

This research, conducted at the Faculty of English, Hanoi Open University, aimed to explore students' perceptions of English idioms and the challenges they face in comprehending and using them in spoken English. The study involved 62 undergraduate students majoring in English, and data collection was carried out through a survey. The findings reveal that the majority of the fourth-year students of English recognize the importance and benefits of idioms in communication. However, these students find English idioms challenging due to several factors, including their figurative nature, limited exposure, and cultural or contextual differences. Additionally, the study identified specific obstacles to effective idiom usage, such as limited vocabulary, difficulty in selecting appropriate idiomatic expressions, and fear of using idioms incorrectly. These findings hold significance for teachers at the Faculty of English, Hanoi Open University, as they can utilize them to develop targeted and effective teaching methods that enhance students' comprehension and usage of idioms in spoken English.