Which of the following must be explicitly taught in non-literal language study?

In the study of non-literal language, idioms are a fundamental component that must be explicitly taught. Non-literal language includes expressions that do not convey their intended meaning from the individual meanings of the words used. Idioms are prime examples because their meanings can often be completely different from what the words might imply on their own.

For instance, an expression like "kick the bucket" does not relate to any literal action of kicking a physical bucket; rather, it means to die. Without explicit instruction on idioms, learners may misunderstand the intended meanings, leading to confusion in communication or an inability to fully grasp cultural nuances.

While spelling rules, pronunciation, and grammar structures are essential aspects of language learning, they primarily focus on the literal and systematic components of language. Idioms, however, require a deeper understanding of cultural context and figurative meaning, making them an essential area of focus in non-literal language instruction.