Research Article

Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language

Volume: 22 Number: 3 December 22, 2025
TR EN

Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language

Abstract

This study examines psychological challenges regarding the linguistic and cultural barriers faced by Turkish undergraduate learners of English at upper-intermediate level. Using a mixed-method approach, researchers analyzed their encounters with idioms in authentic contexts within Turkey, revealing that cultural differences between English and Turkish create significant challenges, particularly in developing cultural competence. Findings indicate that challenges primarily stem from cognitive overload due to reliance on literal translation (e.g., "kick the bucket" as "kovayı tekmelemek") and the subsequent difficulty in mapping figurative meaning across divergent cultural frameworks. This necessitates shift from literal to figurative interpretation, additional mental resources, consistent with principles of cognitive load theory. The cognitive strain fuels anxiety and fear of error, amplified by the emotional and cultural dissonance found in concepts like "hospitality" or idiomatic insults (Lantolf & Thorne, 2007). Crucially, the study confirms that exposure to idioms in authentic, low-stress contextualized input significantly mitigates anxiety and boosts learner confidence and motivation. The results affirm that idiomatic competence is a complex socio-cultural negotiation, demanding affective adaptation alongside cognitive effort. The study recommends implementing enhanced language support and culturally sensitive pedagogical strategies to improve students' academic integration and foster a more inclusive educational environment in Türkiye.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Specialist Studies in Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 22, 2025

Submission Date

September 15, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 1, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 22 Number: 3

APA
Işık, N., & Kasap, S. (2025). Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 22(3), 1040-1067. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1783209
AMA
1.Işık N, Kasap S. Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2025;22(3):1040-1067. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1783209
Chicago
Işık, Nazim, and Suleyman Kasap. 2025. “Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 22 (3): 1040-67. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1783209.
EndNote
Işık N, Kasap S (December 1, 2025) Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 22 3 1040–1067.
IEEE
[1]N. Işık and S. Kasap, “Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language”, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 1040–1067, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.33711/yyuefd.1783209.
ISNAD
Işık, Nazim - Kasap, Suleyman. “Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 22/3 (December 1, 2025): 1040-1067. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1783209.
JAMA
1.Işık N, Kasap S. Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2025;22:1040–1067.
MLA
Işık, Nazim, and Suleyman Kasap. “Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 22, no. 3, Dec. 2025, pp. 1040-67, doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1783209.
Vancouver
1.Nazim Işık, Suleyman Kasap. Psychological Challenges in Learning and Using Idioms, Colloquialisms, Connotations in Foreign Language. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2025 Dec. 1;22(3):1040-67. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1783209