basic concepts of lexicology【荐】.ppt

English Lexicology(I) A Survey of English Lexicology Session One A General Survey of Word “Without grammar very little can beconveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed.” David Wilkins (1972） The role of vocabulary in the language system Vocabulary is the building material of the language system. It is one of the three essential elements of language: speech sounds, grammar and vocabulary. The role of vocabulary in the language system “…There is a sense in which learning a foreign language is basically a matter of learning the vocabulary of that language. Not being able to find the words to express yourself is the most frustrating experience in speaking another language.”  I. Introduction 1.1 Language, Linguistics and Lexicology 1.2 Aims and Significance of the Course 1.1 Language, Linguistics and Lexicology What is language? Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. It is a specific social action and a carrier of information. 1.1 Language, Linguistics and Lexicology What is linguistics? Generally speaking, linguistics can be defined as the scientific study of language. To be more exact, linguistics studies the general principles upon which languages are constructed and operate as systems of human communication. What is lexicology? The literal meaning of lexicology is the “science of the word”. It is a branch of linguistics dealing with the vocabulary of a given language. 1.2 Aims and Significance of the Course Aims of the course Give a systematic description of the English vocabulary. Offer an insight into the origin and development of the English vocabulary. Discuss the problems of word-structure and word-formation Study the use of English words , their meanings and changes in meaning, their sense relations. Significance of the Course Develop your personal vocabulary and consciously increase your word power (active vocabulary). Understand word meaning and organize, classify and store words