FORMULAIC SPEECH

1. Definition
2. Examples

Ad.1 FORMULAIC SPEECH consist of expressions which are learned as unanalysable

wholes and employed on particular occasions. It can be observed in the speech of native
speakers as well as of learners. Formulating speech seemed to be very common in SLA,
especially in the early stages of development.

Ad.2 Three examples of formulaic speech:

a) ROUTINES – whole utterances learnt as memorized chunks.
For example: “ I don’t know”
b) PATTERNS – utterances that are only partially unanalysed and have one or more open
slots.
For example: “Can I have _____ ?”
c) SCRIPTS – greeting sequences, which the learner can memorize because they are more
or less fixed and predictable.
For example: “How do you do?”

Each formula is closely tied to a particular communicative goal.

The important point is that formulaic speech is common in early SLA because it reduces the
learning burden while maximizing communicative ability.