Abstract: Based on a review of the theories of prefabricated chunks of language,and an analysis of their important functions in language communication and the development of language competence,this paper proposes that chunks should be systematically incorporated in the curriculum of language teaching because chunks work in the four aspects:1.accelerating automatic processing of the low-end language data,thus raising reading speed;2.increasing listening efficiency with rational allocation of the cognitive resources in high-end data processing;3.facilitating the easy and fluent speaking with reinforced priority and continuity in communication;4.improving writing in a way of language variation as a result of short-term memory in language transformation.

Key words: language learning, language competence, chunks, prefabricated chunks