Second language learner intuitions of idiom properties: What do they tell us about L2 idiom knowledge and acquisition?

The present study investigated intuitions of L2 learners about important properties of L2 idiomatic expressions to gain insights for research on L2 idiom processing and acquisition. More specifically, we examined (a) how reliable L2 learners’ intuitions are, (b) how much they differ from native speakers’ intuitions, and (c) whether they are better predictors of L2 idiom knowledge than native speaker intuitions. To this end, Dutch native speakers and German L2 learners of Dutch rated 110 Dutch idioms on frequency of exposure, frequency of use, meaning familiarity, imageability, and transparency and were tested on idiom knowledge. This study shows that L2 learner intuitions about idiom properties are a valuable and reliable source of information on L2 idiom knowledge.