The use of idiomatic expressions in foreign language teaching. Case study, expressions related to cats

Abstract

Idiomatic expressions are a fascinating subject for study, and it is impossible to learn or teach a language without talking about it. In this paper, the authors discuss certain syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of the idiomatic expressions on cats. The complex social and cultural meaning requires not only an understanding of their grammatical and syntactic structures but also a shared knowledge of the language and the culture it transmits, which creates a certain complicity and synergy between speakers. Furthermore, the correct interpretation of idiomatic expressions is often a source of difficulty for learners of a foreign language, even if they know the meaning of the lexicon (Gross G., 1996). Understanding these expressions in the age of globalization is essential for intercultural communication and comprehension. The French and German languages are full of expressions and proverbs referring to cats, the meaning and origin of which can sometimes seem obscure. We will illustrate this complexity with examples of idiomatic expressions on cats, along with their etymology.