"INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF FORMULAIC LANGUAGE IN ESTABLISHING COMMON GROUND AND SEEKING SALIENCY IN AN INTERCULTURAL ENVIRONMENT: ESSAY WRITING SKILLS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS"

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the central role formulaic language has in the essay writing competence of undergraduate students with special focus on its double role of establishing common ground and enhancing saliency in an intercultural context. Formulaic language, as defined as habitualized expressions, lexical bundles, and repeated phrases in various genres of communication, is tested against its capacity for creating mutual understanding, coherence, and cohesion in essay writing among students. Using Kecskes' Formulaic Continuum to the study of Intercultural Communication, this research combines qualitative analysis with quantitative measurement to describe the process by which formulaic expressions facilitate the achievement of mutual understanding between writers and readers in academic writing. In addition, it examines the impact of formulaic language on the clarity, persuasiveness, saliency, and overall effectiveness of undergraduate essays. Through the examination of the intricate relationship between the use of formulaic language, intercultural communication, and writing development, this research offers useful insights into pedagogical strategies that can improve the academic writing of students. Simultaneously, it adds to the refinement of theoretical knowledge of linguistic devices employed in written intercultural communication.