Don't Dismiss the Cliché: A Powerful Tool for English Language Learners

 

Don't Dismiss the Cliché: A Powerful Tool for English Language Learners

By Janpha Thadphoothon

As English teachers, we often find ourselves cautioning students against the overuse of clichés. I myself have been taught to avoid clichés. We warn them that these phrases are tired, unoriginal, and indicative of lazy writing or speaking. "Find a more creative way to express yourself," we implore. Yet, in our zeal to cultivate originality, are we overlooking the inherent value of clichés, particularly for non-native English speakers? I believe we are.

One may ask what a cliché is. A cliché is a phrase or idea that's been used so much that it's lost its original impact and freshness. Think of it as something that was once clever or insightful, but now feels overused and predictable.

The truth is, clichés, far from being linguistic dead weight, can be powerful tools for English language learners. They serve as bridges to comprehension, pathways to fluency, and windows into the cultural nuances of the English language. Let’s delve into why we should reconsider our stance on clichés and embrace their potential in the ESL classroom.

The Familiar Comfort of a Cliché

No one is born an expert. Imagine learning a new language. You're bombarded with unfamiliar sounds, grammatical structures, and idiomatic expressions. In this linguistic maelstrom, clichés offer a sense of familiarity, a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. They are the linguistic equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day. I am sure you would agree with me that this feeling of familiarity is important for students.

Clichés, by their very nature, are widely used and understood. This ubiquity makes them easily recognizable, even for learners with limited exposure to the language. When a student hears "it's raining cats and dogs," they may not immediately grasp the literal image, but the context and the familiarity of the phrase quickly convey the meaning: it's raining heavily. This immediate comprehension is invaluable, especially in fast-paced conversations where time is of the essence. Another one is "You are an apple of my eyes." For me, it took mw tears to really learn these so-called overused expressions (Clichés).

Moreover, clichés often encapsulate complex ideas into simple, easily digestible phrases. Instead of struggling to articulate a nuanced concept, learners can rely on a ready-made expression. Take, for instance, "a piece of cake." This simple phrase conveys the idea of something being easy, effortlessly replacing a lengthy explanation. Similarly, "where there's smoke, there's fire" succinctly communicates the logical connection between evidence and conclusion.

These examples illustrate how clichés function as linguistic shortcuts, simplifying communication and fostering comprehension. For non-native speakers, who are already grappling with the intricacies of the language, these shortcuts can be a lifeline. I think this is especially true for beginners. Of course, I could be wrong. 

Building Fluency, One Cliché at a Time

Fluency, some say, is the holy grail of language learning. It’s the ability to speak and understand a language with ease and confidence. Clichés can play a significant role in achieving this goal.

When learners incorporate clichés into their speech, they sound more natural and fluent. My experience is that it is a challenge to encourage non-native speakers to utter some clichés. They move beyond the stilted, textbook-like language that often characterizes early stages of language acquisition. Instead, they begin to adopt the rhythm and cadence of native speakers. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that this is due to the fixed nature of clichés.

Clichés provide ready-made phrases that can be used in various contexts, reducing the cognitive load of constructing sentences from scratch. This allows learners to focus on other aspects of communication, such as pronunciation, intonation, and body language. For example, instead of laboriously explaining that they can leave immediately, a learner can simply say, "We can leave at the drop of a hat." This simple phrase not only conveys the message effectively but also adds a touch of fluency and naturalness to their speech.

Furthermore, mastering clichés can boost learners' confidence. When they successfully use a cliché in a conversation, they experience a sense of accomplishment. This positive reinforcement encourages them to continue practicing and experimenting with the language. My gut tells me that this confidence boost cannot be underestimated.

Clichés: Windows into Cultural Understanding

Language is inextricably linked to culture. Clichés, as reflections of cultural values and beliefs, offer valuable insights into the cultural context of the English language.

Consider the cliché "the early bird catches the worm." This phrase reflects a cultural emphasis on punctuality, initiative, and hard work. Similarly, "don't put all your eggs in one basket" highlights the importance of caution and diversification, values that are deeply ingrained in many Western cultures.

By learning these clichés, learners gain a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances that shape English communication. They begin to grasp the implicit meanings and cultural assumptions that underlie everyday conversations. I know you would agree with me that this is essential for effective communication.

Moreover, clichés can help learners avoid cultural faux pas. For instance, understanding the connotations of a phrase like "to call a spade a spade" can prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations. As we know, cultural misunderstandings can lead to serious problems.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Overuse and Stiltedness

Of course, we cannot ignore the potential pitfalls of clichés. Overuse can make speech sound stilted, unoriginal, and even irritating. It’s essential to teach learners to use clichés judiciously and in appropriate contexts.

The key is to strike a balance. While clichés can be valuable tools, they should not be used as crutches. Learners should be encouraged to expand their vocabulary and develop their ability to express themselves in more nuanced and creative ways. I somehow think that this is the hardest part.

It's also important to distinguish between formal and informal contexts. Clichés are generally more appropriate in informal conversations than in formal writing or presentations. Learners should be taught to recognize the difference and adjust their language accordingly. Some argue for the complete removal of clichés from formal writing, while some argue against it, saying that some clichés are acceptable.

One strategy for addressing this is teaching students how to identify when a cliché is used incorrectly. For example, using a cliché in a formal business presentation would be considered inappropriate. I must admit that even I make this mistake sometimes. Try use them as often as possible. I advice is not tp be put off by negative comments.

To breathe life into cliché learning within the ESL classroom, we must transcend mere memorization and embrace active engagement, employing strategies such as interactive matching games linking clichés to their meanings, role-playing scenarios that simulate real-life usage, analyzing clichés within popular media like films and songs, fostering creative sentence construction using these expressions, encouraging "cliché journals" for recording and contextualizing new phrases, consistently providing real-world contextual examples, sparking discussions about cultural origins, and introducing a "cliché of the week" to focus on in-depth understanding and application.

A Call to Reconsider

In conclusion, it's time to reconsider our stance on clichés. I know many people, esp., native English speakers may shun my idea. While they may not be the pinnacle of linguistic creativity, they are undoubtedly valuable tools for English language learners. They facilitate comprehension, enhance fluency, and provide insights into cultural nuances.

Let's embrace the familiar and help our students unlock the power of clichés. By doing so, we can empower them to communicate more effectively and confidently in English.

Somehow I think it is our duty to help our students in any way possible. Having said that, I realize that every student learns differently. Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) that clichés are a great tool. If anything, I like the idea of students feeling more confident when they speak English. Fundamentally, I would argue that this is the goal of every English teacher.

They say that old habits die hard, and I guess it is true. Those were the days when everything was simple, but now, we have to find new ways to teach.

Experts say that using clichés correctly can help with fluency. Nevertheless, it is my belief that it depends on the student. No one knows everything, but I would like to encourage you to try to use clichés in your next lesson.

So, the next time you hear a student use a cliché, don't automatically dismiss it. Instead, recognize it for what it is: a stepping stone to fluency and cultural understanding. What are some of your favorite clichés? Share them in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation. However challenging, I determine to make it clear that clichés have value.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.