Cross-linguistic processing of idioms

The role of cultural familiarity and Construction Grammar in idiom comprehension

Authors

Keywords:

idioms, construction grammar, cross-cultural studies, cross-linguistic studies, cognitive processing

Abstract

This study explored the cross-linguistic processing of idioms among Azerbaijani, Russian, and English speakers, utilizing Construction Grammar (CxG) to examine the impact of cultural familiarity on idiom comprehension. Idioms, as culturally and linguistically embedded expressions, present a unique cognitive challenge that varies with the cultural background of the speaker. Employing comprehension tasks and self-paced reading tasks, this study measured both the accuracy of idiom comprehension and the speed of processing. The findings suggest that culturally specific idioms are comprehended more effectively and processed faster than non-culturally specific idioms across all participant groups. The results have significant implications for educational policymakers, educators, and school leaders, emphasizing the need to consider cultural context in language education. Integrating culturally relevant idioms into teaching strategies could enhance language comprehension and foster more effective intercultural communication.

Author Biographies

  • Rena Alasgarova, The Modern Educational Complex Named in Honour of Heydar Aliyev

    Dr. Rena Alasgarova is an English and Literature teacher, Head of Advanced Level Programme, Cambridge Exam Officer, and Professional Development Coordinator at Modern Educational Complex Named in Honour of Heydar Aliyev located in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    Dr. Alasgarova graduated from the Azerbaijan University of Languages with a Bachelor Degree in English Language Philology and embarked on her teaching journey. After receiving several international teaching diplomas and certificates, attending and presenting in a number of local and overseas educational conferences, Dr. Alasgarova gained her MA in TESOL and PHD in International Leadership at Horizons University, Paris, France.

    Being occupied both as a teacher and professional development coordinator allows Dr. Alasgarova to have a deeper look into the issues teachers are facing today to approach these issues in a holistic way while designing training courses and events.
    Highly involved in leading an educational process in international schools in Azerbaijan, she is currently investigating the phenomenon of first language attrition in academic settings, AI for quality education, and integration of Sustainable Development Goals into secondary school curricula.

  • Ilaha Mahmudova, The Modern Educational Complex Named in Honour of Heydar Aliyev

    Ilaha Mahmudova is currently History teacher at The Modern Educational Complex
    named in Honour of Heydar Aliyev is a Cambridge International School located in Baku, Azerbaijan.
    Ilaha Mahmudova graduated from Baku State University with a Bachelor Degree in History (American studies).

    As a teacher in an international school, Ilaha Mahmudova is dedicated to promoting universal values while maintaining national identity. Her research interests primarily focus on the intersection of culture, language, and history. She is particularly interested in exploring the connections between culture and language and how these are rooted in historical contexts. Through her research, Ilaha aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural and linguistic identities evolve over time and shape individual and collective experiences. Her interdisciplinary approach draws on insights from history, linguistics, sociology, and cultural studies to explore these complex relationships and their implications for education and society.

  • Jeyhun Rzayev, ADA University

    Dr. Jeyhun Rzayev is a cultural anthropologist with a historical background. In 2014, he got his Ph.D. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor and lecturer within the School of General Education at ADA University, Baku, Azerbaijan. His research output includes studies on higher education and its role to the social and cultural development of Azerbaijan. He is also, researcher of cultural heritage. Dr. Rzayev has authored two guidelines and 25 scientific articles and co-authored four coursebooks.

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Published

2026-02-01

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): Volume 8 (2025): Issue 1 (Jun 2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Rena Alasgarova, Ilaha Mahmudova, Dr. Jeyhun Rzayev

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