الملخص الإنجليزي
ABSTRACT:
This study aims to investigate the collocational competence of the University of Bahrain students who are majoring in English, and to investigate the perceptions of teachers and the students towards collocations at the same university. In addition, it aims to see whether there is a correlation between students' collocational competence and their English language proficiency. The study proposed (4) research questions as follow: What is the level of UoB students' collocational competence measured by CONTRIX? Is there a correlation between students' CONTRIX test results and their TOEFL test results? What are teachers' perceptions regarding the teaching and learning of collocations? What are students' perceptions regarding the teaching and learning of collocations? The sample for this study consisted of (40) English language teachers at the University of Bahrain and (77) English major students. The study used quantitative methodology, as the researcher adapted three tools to carry on the research; a CONTRIX test; a TOEFL test; and perceptions questionniares. The tests were administered to students, while the questionnaires were given to both teachers and students. The collected data were analyzed statistically by calculating percentages, mean and standard deviation using (SPSS). The results showed that most teachers and students have positive perceptions towards the learning and importance of the knowledge of collocations regardless of the poor performance of students at the CONTRIX test. In addition, a significant correlation was found between students' collocational competence and their English language proficiency. Finally, the study proposes a series of recommendations based on the findings of the research.
