Formulaic language in EFL teaching materials

Formulaic language accounts for a substantial part of any language. Learning formulaic language accounts for a substantial part of any language. Learning formulaic language has therefore been identified as important for successful language learning, as it provides a basis from which more advanced grammar can develop. So far, few studies have focused on to what extent formulaic language is given attention to in school materials aimed at young learners. In a Swedish context such an analysis is wanting. This paper presents an analysis of formulaic language in three EFL teaching materials used in Swedish primary school. To identify instances of formulaic language, glossaries and exercises accompanying text materials were run through Phrase Profiler and the Sketch Engine n-gram function. The results show that much of the formulaic language featuring in the texts is not highlighted in the glossaries and is not further practiced in the exercises either, suggesting that there is little understanding of formulaic language and its importance for language learning among materials developers.