The Structure and Development of the English Lexical System
What does the structure of the English lexical system reflect?
: It reflects the history, culture, and social development of the English-speaking world.
What does semantic change refer to?
Semantic change refers to the process through which the meanings of words evolve over time.
What are phraseological units also known as?
Phraseological units are also known as idioms.
What does general lexicology examine?
General lexicology examines the vocabulary of all languages in general terms.
Is the English lexicon static or changing?
: The English lexicon is not static; it constantly changes as society evolves
What may happen to words during semantic change?
Words may broaden, narrow, or completely shift their meanings.
Why can’t the meanings of idioms be understood from individual words?
Because their meanings cannot be understood from the meanings of their individual words.
What does special lexicology focus on?
Special lexicology focuses on the vocabulary of a specific language, such as English.
Q: What kinds of words does the English vocabulary include?
The vocabulary includes native words and borrowed ones, mainly from Latin, French, and Greek.
What are the common types of semantic change?
Metaphor, metonymy, amelioration, and pejoration.
What role do phraseological units play in the English lexicon?
They enrich the language and make communication more expressive and natural.
What does historical or diachronic lexicology study?
It studies the evolution of words over time.
What processes influence the development of the English lexical system?
Word-formation, semantic change, and borrowing.
What did the word “knight” once mean?
The word “knight” once meant “servant.”
What does the expression “break the ice” mean?
It means to start a friendly conversation.
What does semantic lexicology focus on?
Semantic lexicology focuses on meaning.
What does understanding the structure and development of vocabulary help linguists see?
It helps linguists see how words function and interact within the language system.
What does studying semantic change help linguists understand?
It helps linguists understand the dynamic relationship between language and society.
What do phraseological units show about culture and language?
They show how culture and language are deeply interconnected.
What does stylistic lexicology explore?
Stylistic lexicology explores the use of words in different styles and contexts