Do you find yourself lost in translation when encountering phrases like “das Gelbe vom Ei” [the very best] or “mettre les pieds dans le plat” [to speak with excessive candor]? Multiword expressions (MWEs) are an essential part of language, but their idiomatic nature makes them a challenge for language learners. Fear not! In my talk, we’ll explore the fascinating world of MWEs and provide practical strategies for mastering them.
Join us as we examine a wide range of MWEs in different languages, from the commonplace to the colloquialism, and discuss the challenges they present for language learners. From recognizing and defining MWEs to learning how to use them like a pro, you’ll come away with a better understanding of these essential linguistic tools.

Till is a language enthusiast, who enjoys learning languages while living abroad. He developed an interest in computational linguistics during his Master’s studies and is now doing a research internship at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), focusing on multiword expressions within the SELEXINI project. He is also the founder of linguse.com, a reading app that aims to help language learners improve their reading skills. With a strong interest in the intersection of language and technology, he is dedicated to making language learning more accessible and enjoyable for all.

This video was recorded at the Polyglot Gathering 2023 (https://www.polyglotgathering.com).