Comparing Multi-Word Verb Use among Finnish-Speaking and Swedish-Speaking Adult EFL Learners

Abstract

The present study explores how adult English language learners with different L1s use English multi-word-verbs. The term multi-word-verbs refers to constructs that consist of a verb with either an adverbial particle, a preposition or both. These constructs are often used in idiomatic expressions and are very common in English. The reason for the comparative aspect of the study lies in the fact that while one of the L1s concerned in the present study, Finnish, does not have these constructs, the other, Swedish, does. Further justification for the present study comes from the fact that the participants from both language groups come from a similar cultural and socio-economic background. Additionally, adult language learners are constantly overlooked in linguistic research.

Altogether 30 Finnish speakers and 22 Swedish speakers took part in the present study, which was conducted in several adult education centres in southern and western Finland in 2017–2018. A background questionnaire mapping the participants’ language skills and English usage, for example, together with a 27-point test form were the selected tools for gathering data.

The results of the present study indicate that while the Finnish speakers constantly use English MWVs more willingly, the Swedish speakers are constantly more correct in their MWV use. Possible explanations for these findings can be traced to everyday English input and output, as well as the participants’ previous knowledge of other languages, such as German. The findings support previous studies indicating that Swedish speakers are able to use their L1 as an advantage when it comes to these types of English language constructs.