10

Lecture 1.

Introduction. Fundamentals. A word as the basic unit of the language

1. Lexicology as a branch of linguistic science and its basic notions.

2. The connection of Lexicology with other branches of linguistics.

3. Characteristics of the word as the basic unit of the language.

4. Motivation as a language universal. Correlation of phonetic, morphological and semantic types of motivation in the lexical units of English and Ukrainian.

1. Lexicology as a branch of linguistic science and its basic notions.

The object of Lexicology (Gr. “lexis” – word, “logos” – learning) is the science of the word. The literal meaning, however, gives only a general notion of the aims of this branch of linguistic science.

The basic task of Lexicology is a study and systematic description of vocabulary in respect to its origin, development and current use. The term v o c a b u l a r y is used to denote the system formed by the sum total of all the words and word equivalents that the language possesses. Lexicology is concerned with words, word-groups, phraseological units, and with morphemes that make up words.

The term s y s t e m as used in present-day Lexicology denotes a set of elements associated and functioning together according to certain laws. The lexical system of every speech contains productive elements typical of this particular period, others that are archaic and are dropping out of usage, and, finally, some new phenomena, neologisms. The elements of lexical system are characterized by their combinatorial and contrastive properties determining their syntagmatic and paradigmatic relationships.

S y n t a g m a t i c combinatorial relations define the meaning of the word when it is used in combination with other words in the flow of speech. E.g., compare the meaning of the verb “to get” in the sentences:

He got a letter.

He got tired.

He got to London.

He could not get the piano through the door.

P a r a d i g m a t i c contrastive relations exist between words belonging to one subgroup of vocabulary items (e.g., verbs of motion, of sense perception, sets of synonyms, etc.) that can occur in the same context and be contrasted to one another. Paradigmatic relations are observed in the system of language.

E.g. to go a mile

run

walk

stroll

The lexical system is not homogeneous. Its central part is formed by lexical units possessing all the distinctive features of words. Phrasal verbs, complex prepositions, some compounds, phraseological units, etc. function as lexical items of the vocabulary of the language.

Distinction is made between General Lexicology and Special Lexicology.

G e n e r a l Lexicology is a part of General Linguistics. It is concerned with the general study of vocabulary, irrespective of the specific features of any particular language. S p e c i a l Lexicology devotes its attention to the description of the characteristic peculiarities in the vocabulary of a given language. Thus, Special Lexicology is the Lexicology of a particular language (e.g. English or Ukrainian).

Vocabulary studies include such aspects of research as etymology, semasiology and onomasiology.

E t y m o l o g y is the branch of linguistics which studies the origin or derivation of words. In many cases the etymology of a word reveals itself in comparative historical studies.

S e m a s i o l o g y is the branch of linguistics whose subject-matter is the study of word meaning. The term “semantics” is used to denote the lexical meaning of words or phrases.

O n o m a s i o l o g y is the study of the principles of the signification of things and notions by lexical and lexico-phraseological means of a given language. It is especially important in studying dialects where one and the same object finds its different where one and the same object finds its different signification in different regions of the country.

There are two different approaches in linguistic science to the study of language material, namely, the synchronic or descriptive and diachronic or historical. Consequently, there are two types of Lexicology: Historical Lexicology and Descriptive Lexicology.

H i s t o r i c a l Lexicology discusses the origin of various words, their change and development, the linguistic and extra linguistic forces modifying their structure, meaning and usage.

D e s c r I p t I v e Lexicology deals with the vocabulary of a given language at a given stage of its development. It studies the functions of words and their specific structure.

Closely connected with Historical Lexicology is C o n t r a s t i v e and C o m p a r a t i v e Lexicology. This relatively new branch of study provides a theoretical basis on which the vocabularies of different language can be compared and described. Of primary importance in this respect is the comparison of the foreign language with the mother tongue.

It is of interest to note that Lexicology as a special discipline is not officially distinguished in Western European or American linguistics. In our country problems of vocabulary have enjoyed a great importance. Most useful treatments of theory and method in Lexicology will be found in linguistic research made by A.A. Ufimtzeva, I.V. Arnold, N.N. Amosova, R.S. Ginzburg, and other scholars.

The t h e o r e t i c a l value of Lexicology becomes obvious if we realize that it forms the study of one of the three main aspects of language, i.e. its vocabulary, the other two being its grammar and sound system. Lexicology came into being to meet the demands of many different branches of applied linguistics, namely of lexicography, literary criticism, standartization of terminology.

The language learner will find the Course of modern English Lexicology of great p r a c t i c a l importance. It helps to stimulate a systematic approach to the facts of vocabulary and an organized comparison of the foreign and native language. It is particularly useful in building up the learner’s vocabulary by an effective selection, grouping and analysis of new words.

A good knowledge of the system of word-formation helps the student to guess and retain in his memory the meaning of new words on the basis of their motivation and by comparing and contrasting them with the previously learned elements.

Lexicology also imparts the necessary skills of using different kinds of dictionaries and reference books, and prepare for future independent work on increasing and improving one’s vocabulary.