The NNSL is a list of noun+noun sequences that is both empirically and pedagogically derived, designed to enhance learning by emphasizing this key linguistic feature. It is based on a representative corpus of applied linguistics research articles and highlights the most prevalent and significant noun+noun sequences in the field.
The list pinpoints essential sequences that students need to understand and use effectively. The NNSL is particularly valuable in identifying noun+noun sequences in various texts within the discipline, aiding students in better comprehending these texts. It has significant implications for both explicit and implicit teaching in EAP contexts, helping students become familiar with this important feature.
By using the NNSL, students and writers can improve their awareness of common noun+noun sequences, gain a deeper understanding of their meanings and functional relationships, and learn how to convey information more concisely and effectively within the discipline. EAP instructors in applied linguistics graduate programs can integrate these important sequences into syllabus design and the creation of corpus-informed materials.
The NNSL can also serve as a foundation for developing Data-Driven Learning (DDL) materials that align with SLA principles such as meaningful input, noticing, consciousness-raising, and learner-centered instruction. Ultimately, this list would help novice writers use noun+noun sequences more accurately and frequently, aligning their writing with the disciplinary norm of concise information delivery.