A recent study from Waseda University reveals that using common phrases rather than complex vocabulary significantly improves the perception of fluency in foreign language speakers. This research challenges the prevalent belief that sophisticated language equates to greater fluency.
Conducted by Ph.D. student Kotaro Takizawa and Research Assistant Professor Shungo Suzuki, the study analysed the speeches of 102 Japanese speakers of English. Participants delivered argumentative speeches where their use of familiar two- and three-word expressions—known as bigrams and trigrams—was measured. Experienced raters then evaluated the fluency of these speakers.
The findings indicate that the smoothness of speech delivery, or utterance fluency, was the strongest predictor of perceived fluency, accounting for 61% of the variance in fluency ratings. Interestingly, the use of high-frequency formulaic expressions added an additional 0.8% to fluency judgements, while the utilisation of rare or complex phrases had negligible impact.
This suggests that language learners should focus more on mastering common phrases that come naturally in conversation. For instance, instead of saying “I agree the idea,” learners should use the more natural expression “I agree with the idea.” Such expressions are not only easier to remember but also enhance the overall fluency perception during conversations.
The study, published in the journal Studies in Second Language Acquisition, highlights the significant role that everyday expressions play in language learning and assessment, particularly in standardised tests like TOEFL and IELTS, where fluency judgements are critical for scoring.
The researchers recommend that both language teachers and learners shift their focus from advanced vocabulary to the effective use of common phrases to improve communication skills.
For more details, you can read the full study on Waseda University’s website: Common Phrases, Not Fancy Words, Make You Sound More Fluent in a Foreign Language.
