Phraseological studies in perspective: theory, usage, and interfaces

Abstract

The article presents a panoramic reflection on Phraseology, a discipline dedicated to the study of phrasal units, that is, stable combinations of words that function as a semantic and discursive whole. Starting from the understanding that these units play a central role in the functioning of language and in the construction of meanings, the work highlights their relevance for linguistic description, language teaching, translation, and the analysis of real language use. It thus proposes a broad approach to Phraseology, articulating three main axes: the delimitation of its object of study, the historical trajectory of the field in Brazil, and the discussion of its inter and multidisciplinary character. Furthermore, it shows how phraseological studies have evolved from descriptive and folkloric surveys to systematic investigations, anchored in consolidated theoretical frameworks and contemporary methodologies, such as corpus analysis. When addressing the development of Phraseology in the Brazilian context, the process of institutionalization of the field is emphasized, marked by the expansion of academic production, the creation of research groups, and the consolidation of spaces for scientific debate. This trajectory reflects the maturity of linguistic studies in the country and the consolidation of Phraseology as a science with its own theoretical foundations and research methods. Finally, the text emphasizes the inter and multidisciplinary nature of Phraseology, highlighting its dialogues with different fields of knowledge and its theoretical, practical, and applied dimensions. This perspective highlights the potential of Phraseology as an integrative axis in the language sciences and as a strategic area for understanding linguistic uses in diverse social, cultural, and communicative contexts.