Cognitive Linguistics: Fostering English Language Proficiency in Higher Education

Theoretical linguistics, particularly within the domain of cognitive linguistic (CL) theories, serves as a comprehensive framework for understanding language interpretation and addressing fundamental questions about its nature. Within the framework of theoretical linguistics, this study focuses on linguistic theories that delve into cognitive processes. Specifically, it explores how CL theories contribute to the development of English language (EL) skills in college students. To achieve this goal, a well-structured questionnaire method was employed to gather insights from 190 college students, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The study adopts a quantitative descriptive research approach with a cross-sectional research design. The chosen methodology involves a questionnaire survey method, specifically utilizing a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale for participant responses. The corpus linguistics-focused curriculum enhances college students’ writing complexity over traditional methods. This research contributes to the field of cognitive linguistics by not only emphasizing its role in EL development but also by addressing the integration of a corpus-based approach in English teaching. The study findings indicate frequent corpus-based language exploration correlates positively with students’ confidence in written and spoken English. Furthermore, the analysis results highlight the effectiveness of integrating CL techniques into EL teaching materials, showcasing improvements in students’ practical language skills and proficiency.