Assessing English Collocational Knowledge among Sudanese EFL University Students.A Case Study of Khartoum University

Abstract

The present study attempts to investigate the knowledge of collocation because it is a problematic area for second/ foreign language learners and the aim of the study is to come out with constructive recommendations for both teachers and learners in order to improve the processes of teaching and learning the language. The subjects of the study are one hundred and fifty students drawn from second, third, and fourth years majoring in English from Khartoum University, Faculty of Arts. A collocation test of 50 items, was used to collect data. The data have been statistically analysed using the SPSS package. The findings of the study indicated that the subjects' knowledge of collocation is poor. Results of the statistical analysis indicated that there is a significant difference in students' knowledge of collocation between the three levels. It revealed that the adjective–noun is the easiest, while verb-noun is found to be the most difficult one. Based on the research findings, the study recommends that teachers should enable students to be aware of collocations through making more emphasis on collocation while teaching.