Introduction to Lexicology

1. What is Lexicology?

The term “Lexicology” originated from Greek

Lexis = Words
Logos = Science/ learning

“Lexicology” = “The science/ study of words”

Definition: Lexicology studies systematically the vocabulary

of a language: its structure, its formation, meaning and
history.
2. The relation among three subfields of linguistics

Syntax
(grammar)

Linguistics

Lexicology Phonology
(sound system)
(words)
 Words: Jane, teach, her mother, cook
Grammar: Different ways to write the sentence:

By changing the position of the words: By using the grammar tense:

Jane teaches her mother to cook. Jane teaches her mother to cook.

Her mother teaches Jane to cook Jane taught her mother to cook.

The cook teaches Jane and her mother. Jane has taught her mother to cook.

Jane, teach mother to cook.  Jane will teach her mother to cook.
Phonology:
 When you do not pronounce the words correctly, you will
not be understood properly.
 Even though you pronounce the words correctly, the stress
and intonation can make you understood in different ways.

When a stronger stress is on one word, in a certain context,

the information carried by that word is emphasized.

Stress:
Eg: ‘Jane teaches her mother to cook.
Jane ‘teaches her mother to cook.
Jane teaches her ‘mother to cook.
Jane teaches her mother to ‘cook.

Intonation:
Jane teaches her mother to cook.

Jane teaches her mother to cook.

 3. The branches of Lexicology

Word structure
and formation

Lexicography Semantics

LEXICOLOGY

Etymology Phraseology
Word structure and formation

Word structures: What are the components of a word

(morphemes)

Word formation: Ways to form a word

 Affixation (prefixation + suffixation)

 Compounding
 Shortening
 Conversion
 Sound imitation
 Back formation
 Words from names
Semantics

The study of meaning (with focus on lexical

meaning)

 Types of meaning
 Homonymy
 Synonymy
 Antonymy
 Metaphor and Metonymy
Phraseology

The study of set expressions

 Types of set expressions: proverbs, idioms,

quotations

 Functions of set expressions: used as nouns,

verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions.
Etymology

Origin and History of English words

Two layers of words: Native words and

borrowed words
Lexicography

The science of dictionary compiling

 Types of dictionaries
 Main varieties of the English vocabulary (The
standard English, the American Variant,
Australian and Canadian Variants)
4. Significance of Lexicology

 build up your vocabulary (select, group, analyze new

words)
 distinguish between different styles of speech
 express more ideas within a limited vocabulary
 develop skills of using types of dictionaries
 test your knowledge of vocabulary
 provide a better insight into various cultural aspects
of target language
Typography