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Lexicology: The Importance of Words in Society

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Ernest Mah Nur Liyana Safwanah

Universiti Sains Malaysia Universiti Sains Malaysia
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SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, LITERACIES & TRANSLATION

SEMESTER I
ACADEMIC SESSION OF 2017/2018

LEXIS ASSIGNMENT
TITLE:
Lexicology: The Importance of Words in Society

GROUP MEMBERS:
Mah Herh Sun (135146)
Nur Liyana Safwanah binti Azman (135164)

COURSE CODE & NAME:

LEM 212 – Phonetics and Lexis of English

LECTURER:
Dr. Debbita Tan

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
3 November 2017
CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................................1

2.0 Lexicology ...............................................................................................................2
3.0 Borrowing ................................................................................................................5
4.0 Euphemism ..............................................................................................................7
5.0 References ..............................................................................................................10
1.0 INTRODUCTION
What does it mean to know a word? Various linguists have different answers to
this very subjective question.
To know a word is to enrich one’s vocabulary, which in of itself constitutes two
major categories: receptive vocabulary and productive vocabulary. The former refers to
words that a reader is able to recognize upon encountering them in texts or conversations,
while the latter relates to the ability to correctly apply these words in specific contexts
such as conversations and writing. Therein lies the aforementioned conflict: is receptive
vocabulary sufficient in the context of word knowledge, or does a user also need to attain
productive vocabulary in order to claim to know a word?
In our opinion, recognising the fact that vocabulary knowledge exists on a
continuum as opposed to arbitrary entities, learning a word entails the process of attaining
increasing knowledge of the word itself. One would normally progress from recognising
the forms of words, as in its spelling, to understanding their meaning, being able to
adequately explain their meaning, and eventually, producing or applying these words in
everyday contexts wherever necessary. We don’t think a learner would or should be
complacent with merely the recognition of word forms and meaning, rather they would
want to, and in fact, should learn to put these receptive knowledge to use in their
communication.
In other words, we firmly believe that to truly know a word is to not only
recognise its form and know its spelling and meaning, but also to be able to articulate the
meaning and actively apply the usage of these words in everyday communication.

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2.0 LEXICOLOGY
Lexicology is quite simply defined as “the study of lexis, understood as the stock
of words in a given language” (Jackson & Amvela, 2007). McArthur (1992) stated that
lexicology as a branch of linguistics also deals with the study of nature, meaning, history
and use of words and word elements, as well as the critical description of lexicography.
In other words, lexicology often requires looking into elements of the language system
such as morphology, semantics and etymology. We think that the inclusion of these
components in the study of lexis makes lexicology all the more important not just in the
context of language study, but also in larger societal contexts where language use is
particularly pertinent.
Firstly, the study of lexis inadvertently allows for a deeper and more
comprehensive understanding of the entire language system. Lexicology allows us to gain
knowledge on not just word formations, but also language components on a more macro
level, such as conventional semantic and structural patterns that we often adhere to. This
belief stems from the fact that lexical items are building blocks of coherent, meaningful
phrases and sentences in a language. As such, lexicology could enable us to gauge
conventional semantic and structural patterns that a typical language user would
encounter or produce. For instance, in studying morphology, we are able to note the
pattern of words containing prefixes like “anti-”, “un-”, “in-” and “dis-” (i.e.
undemocratic, inconsolable, disloyal) assert negation or rejection of a particular entity or
quality, if not necessarily negative in meaning or connotation. The presence of the suffix
“-ly” would typically tell the reader that the word is an adverb, and would exist in a
sentence, typically behind a verb, as an adjunct or a complementation. These examples
illustrate the conventions that exist in the language that could easily be detected through
the study of lexis, which ultimately enables speakers to use the language more efficiently.
We will also argue that the study of lexis is significant in that it emphasises the
interrelatedness of linguistic elements within a language system. Any given language
would understandably contain a number of words too large to be exacted by humans.
Important to note is how these elements don’t exist as separate arbitrary entities, but are
instead interrelated in how they constitute the richness of a language. Primarily, this
refers to how items in the lexicon correlate with one another semantically. As Katamba

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(2005) stated, there is “an intricate web of relations between the senses of words of a
language”. One prime example would be the Componential Analysis, which serves to
capture this interrelation between lexical items by identifying words that contain
semantic features which characterise a subject. A word “deer” could relate to other words
like “animal” and “herbivore” by virtue of their semantic features. Additionally, this
relation could extend even further to similarities in phonology and morphology
(homonymy), as well as in semantics, be it parallel (synonymy, antonymy, polysemy) or
hierarchical (hyponymy). The establishment of these relational forms in lexicology
greatly reinforces how lexical items are often interrelated in spite of apparent form
variations, and how this interrelation is crucial in the richness and versatility of the use of
language in any context. For instance, “happy” could be substituted with a multitude of
synonymous words like “overjoyed”, “excited” and “pleased” to express a blissful feeling
of varying degrees. Such a substitution may appear simple, but no less important in
demonstrating that the English language is flexible and dynamic, qualities of which make
it an interesting language to learn in the first place.
Language evolves over time and does not operate in a vacuum. In other words,
language contains not merely a stock of words we commonly understand as lexis or
vocabulary, but also the rich history and culture that have helped shape the language into
what it is today. The study of lexis as a result becomes important, as it also reflects the
background of the groups of people using the language. This encompasses both groups
from speakers throughout history as well as in modern times. For instance, the Norman
Conquest resulted in the influx of French words into the English vocabulary in the 13th
century, particularly words used in the law courts. As such, we would be able to infer that
the speakers from that era who were actively using words like “jury”, “defendant”,
“culprit” and “parole” were likely to be people of the upper class who were accustomed
to their law courts and judiciary proceedings. In contemporary times, we could also
associate the type of lexicon used with certain societal groups. By no means making
sweeping generalisations, we may likely find that nominalisation or words with a higher
degree of technicality and formality exist at a higher frequency in the lexicon of speakers
who are in the upper classes and more educated compared to the rest. Societal members
of the middle to lower classes on the other hand may use more simple and direct verb

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phrases that are easily understood in their everyday use of language. Language and
culture are intrinsically bound together, and we believe lexicology allows us to observe
how cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of linguistic groups in society, past and
present.
Finally, lexicology is important in that it makes language users like us more aware
of our choice of words and choose our words more carefully and appropriately. This
appropriateness largely concerns the use of suitable language in certain situations and
contexts, or when dealing with particular groups of people during communication.
Situational or contextual appropriateness refers to whether or not the words used adhere
to the setting in terms of formality or technicality. The lexicon used in writing a scientific
journal article would differ from that in writing a letter to a close friend in that one would
use more formal and technical words in documenting findings and presenting information
to the targeted audience. Additionally, in addressing particular societal groups, the choice
of lexical items used would also vary considerably. Euphemisms or words that are less
crude would be used in favour of direct terminologies with vulnerable groups of people to
ensure pleasantness and political correctness. For instance, phrases like “visually
impaired”, “senior citizens” and “academically inferior” would be used in place of
“blind”, “old people” and “stupid”, respectively, to avoid unrest. In studying lexis, we are
enlightened on how lexical items can have different degrees of formality, technicality and
appropriateness. This is especially paramount as it ensures that we as users of language
be more mindful of how our words can cause tangible impact in society, and make an
effort to speak or write as appropriate as possible at all times.
In conclusion, we firmly believe that the study of lexis is important and not
merely for the sake of knowledge. As the saying goes “the pen is mightier than the
sword”, so understanding how lexical items function within the language system would
enable a more desirable utilisation of words in a language for the betterment of society.

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3.0 BORROWING
Lexis and words in the English language are not all native. Thousands of English
words are borrowed from numerous languages that have come in contact with English
due to a myriad of factors. The Medieval Period or also famously known as the Middle
Age is the period beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire as a result of raids by
northern European tribes of “barbarians” in the late antiquity of the fifth and sixth
centuries (Pounds, 2005). This era continued until the rise of knowledge and culture
prosperity called Renaissance happened between the years 1400 to 1500. During this era,
the rebirth of culture appreciation and high interest in acquiring new knowledge had
impacted the language in England especially in word borrowing.
After the Norman Conquest in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Old English at
that time received a lot of influences from French language. In fact, the language of
nobility during that time was the Norman French which is slightly different from French
language used in France at that period. English was considered the language of the
servant and had low prestige. Due to the French’s posh language, quite a number of
French words were borrowed and used in English including daily life’s vocabulary.
An instance of a word that has been borrowed into English from French is
‘throne’. The word ‘throne’ was first used in 1200 which means “the seat of God or a
saint in heaven”. In 1300, the meaning of the word ‘trone’ changed to “seat occupied by a
sovereign” borrowed from the Old French word, ‘trone’. In Modern French, this word is
written as ‘trône’. ‘Throne’ is specifically used to indicate a ceremonial chair of a bishop,
King or similar sovereign figure. Bishops, priest and pastors were also included because
they were considered powerful and influential due to the high status of churches in those
days. In 1922, the word ‘throne’ recorded the first use of its colloquial meaning, which is
‘toilet’. The word acquired such meaning because back in European Middle Ages, only
powerful rulers had what we know now as toilets. The castle had isolated rooms in which
only the master of the premises were able to use them. Since only those who wielded the
power that resembles a king could use these toilets, the seat where these individuals sat
was compared to the throne. The word that is derived from the Latin word ‘thronus’ and
Greek ‘thronos’, meaning elevated seat or chair, is now no longer associated to the seat of

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Christian religious figures. It is most commonly associated with royalty and used to
symbolise power and the highest authority in a monarchy country.
There were also borrowings happening between the English and Latin language
during the Medieval Period. A contact with Latin language was long recorded back in
the Middle Age when Christianity started to spread in England. As the Christian book,
the Bible, was in Latin and the influence of Christianity in England spread like wildfire in
the forest especially with the Crusades (a war between Muslims and Christians), a lot of
Latin words were borrowed and used in English and one of them is ‘phenomenon’. The
word originates from Late French, and its original word is ‘phaenomenon’. The
denotation of this word is fixed and the meaning of it, which is a fact, an occurrence, or
circumstance observed or observable and something that is impressive and extraordinary,
has not changed since it was first borrowed.
Another language that has come in contact with English is the Arabic language.
During the era of Renaissance, transfer of knowledge from other civilisations were done
including from Muslim scholars who were leading in science and technology discoveries.
Therefore, a lot of English jargons especially scientific terms were derived from the
Arabic language. One of them is the word ‘alkali’. The word ‘alkali’ denotes a compound
with particular chemical properties including turning litmus blue and neutralizing or
effervescing with acids; typically, caustic or corrosive substance of this kind include lime
or soda. This word was first used in late fourteenth century which actually means soda
ash from Medieval Latin alkali while the Arabic word ‘al-Qaliy’ means “the ashes” or
“burnt ashes” of saltwort, which abounds in soda due to growing in alkaline soils. The
word was then associated in the chemistry sense in 1813 which actually has the same
meaning as used now.

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4.0 EUPHEMISM
Euphemism is defined as “an alternative to a dispreferred expression, in order to
avoid possible loss of face: either one’s own face or, through giving offence, that of the
audience, or some third party” (Allan & Burridge, 2009). Some words are inherently
deemed to be explicit, derogatory, offensive or negative in connotation by certain groups
of people within our society. Euphemism serves to curb that by expressing such meaning
in a manner that is less inoffensive and comparatively more pleasant to the human ear
and heart. In this day and age where verbal discourse is heavily prioritised and scrutinised,
euphemistic language has gradually been assimilated into everyday use in society. While
we agree with the general consensus that euphemisms are necessary in our everyday lives,
there are also reasons as to why euphemisms could potentially cause undesirable
repercussions in our society.
Contingent with our analysis in the previous section on lexicology, we believe
that euphemisms are necessary in that it is an excellent representation of the versatility
and dynamism of a language. Setting aside social contexts, a language system typically
contains a lexis that is large and comprehensive, and the way in which one could use a
multitude of expressions to substitute direct conveyance of meanings is a quality that
euphemism highlights in the realm of language use. Euphemisms are important as they
reinforce the notion that language use can and should be flexible in the way we convey
certain intended meanings. For instance, instead of outright stating that something would
result in “terrible effects”, one could substitute it with “undesirable consequences”, which
comparatively sounds less piercing and more pleasant to listeners. Other than that, we
also frequently observe the use of “preloved items” instead of “used times” in sales, as
“preloved” is a much more positively perceived way of describing second-hand items,
which in turn brings in more people to purchase them. Evidently, euphemisms symbolise
a more tongue-in-cheek way of using language in our daily lives, therefore we believe
euphemisms are necessary to uphold the essence of dynamic language use.
More importantly, we strongly believe that the necessity of euphemisms stem
from societal contexts that involve minority groups or vulnerable groups of people in our
society. With society placing an increasing emphasis on political correctness and
inclusivity, euphemisms account for communication that is more considerate and pleasant

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towards these minority groups. This is especially important in communication that
addresses audiences of wider contexts, because euphemistic language is widely
considered essential in garnering public support on policies and agendas. For instance,
when addressing groups of humans aged above 60, instead of using the term “old people”
which carries an unintended connotation of “useless and burdening”, the term “senior
citizens” is infinitely more preferred as it carried the connotation of these people having
more wisdom and experience in comparison with their younger counterparts. In
addressing sensitive or taboo topics like “alcohol”, “cripples”, “mass killers”,
“constipation” and “slums”, alternative phrases like “adult beverages”, “physically
challenged”, “freedom fighters”, “occasional irregularity” and “substandard housing” are
used to allow for these topics to be discussed more easily. Regardless of one’s political
stance, it has become more apparent than ever before that euphemisms are necessary in
communication today, especially when minority groups and sensitive topics are involved
to ensure no parties are discriminated against, and that various communities can co-exist
harmoniously.
However, the use of euphemisms also has its downsides, specifically in that the
purpose of the conversation might not be achieved as it might be seen as a frivolous
attempt to sound intelligent. This applies to attempts in using too many bombastic and
flowery words that instead of conveying a message, which entails making people more
confused in figuring out the intended message. For instance, a politician is said to have
committed ‘terminological inexactitude’ when he or she tells something to people that is
a total opposite of the truth. The most accurate term to refer to such a person is just a big
liar. Rather than opting the use of simple, direct and honest language, the euphemism
would possibly trick people who do not understand such jargons into believing that
maybe said politician had done something that sounds grand and significant. This
example shows how euphemism might be seen as an attempt of trying too hard to sound
grand but instead of making the user sounds intelligent, it confuses people more.
Other than that, the excessive use of euphemism can also cause a negative bearing
to the society as the avoidance of using certain words cultivates a society that feels
entitled to verbal protection. This goes to vulnerable groups of people who usually find it
less offensive to when people use euphemisms to refer to them. Getting accustomed to

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special treatment or protection when it comes to communication might lead to them being
overly sensitive towards language void of euphemism. For example, in United States,
people would prefer to avoid using the word “black” to refer to the African-American
people and settle for the term “coloured”. Using the word “black” may result in backlash
from certain communities as they believe it carries the connotation of “filth” and
“exclusion”. An extension of this scenario is the unnecessary creation of euphemisms that
sound ludicrous for virtually all unpleasant entities, for instance “differently abled” for
“disabled”, “minimally exceptional” for “stupid”, “economically disadvantaged” for
“poor”, and “severe appearance deficits” for “ugliness”. The excessive use of euphemism
gives the idea to the other members of society to have to unnecessarily cater to the need
of specific groups so as to not hurt their feelings. Political correctness as a result has
turned from a preferred custom to a mandatory adherence, and that is where we argue that
euphemisms have been detrimental to social dynamics.
American comedian George Carlin once said, “I don't like words that hide the
truth. I don't like words that conceal reality. I don't like euphemisms – or euphemistic
language. And American English is loaded with euphemisms. Because Americans have a
lot of trouble dealing with reality.” His strong statement reinforces the significant cons of
euphemisms in spite of the general consensus that they are necessary in our society. As
discussed, euphemisms are convenient in certain social interactions where politeness and
political correctness are considered gold and a twist in playing with words does help to be
perceived as well-mannered and polite individuals. Nevertheless, beating around the bush
does not work all the time as there are also negative accounts that come being overly
euphemistic.

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 5.0 REFERENCES
Alkali (n.). (n.d.). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from
https://www.etymonline.com/word/alkali
Allan, K., & Burridge, K. (2009). Forbidden words: taboo and the censoring of language.
Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.
Jackson, H., & Amvela, E. Z. (2007). Words, meaning and vocabulary: an introduction
to modern English lexicology. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Katamba, F. (2005). English words: structure, history, usage. London: Routledge.
McArthur, T. (1992). Oxford companion to the English language. Oxford, New York:
Oxford University Press.
Pounds, N. (2005). The Medieval City. Westport, Conneticut: Greenwood Publishing
Group.

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