THE ROLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Abstract

Idiomatic expressions constitute one of the most vivid, culturally embedded, and semantically complex components of the English language. They reflect not only the historical development of the language but also the worldview, values, and collective experience of its speakers. This article explores the role and importance of idiomatic expressions in English from linguistic, cognitive, cultural, and pragmatic perspectives. Idioms function as fixed or semi-fixed multiword units whose meanings cannot always be deduced from the literal interpretation of their individual components, making them a distinctive feature of natural language use. The study examines how idiomatic expressions contribute to communicative effectiveness, emotional expressiveness, stylistic richness, and discourse cohesion in both spoken and written English. Particular attention is paid to the functions of idioms in everyday communication, literary texts, media discourse, and academic and professional contexts. The article also discusses the cognitive mechanisms underlying idiom comprehension and production, including metaphorical mapping and conventionalization, as well as the challenges idioms pose for second-language learners due to their figurative meanings and cultural specificity. Furthermore, the importance of idiomatic competence is emphasized as a key indicator of fluency and native-like proficiency in English. By highlighting the linguistic and cultural significance of idiomatic expressions, this study underscores their essential role in enriching language use, shaping communicative identity, and facilitating deeper intercultural understanding in the global context of English communication