Unit 2: Lexis

 

UNIT 2: Lexis

Definition

Lexis is a complete set of possible words in a language (vocabulary) In this sense, child, children, child’s, and children are four different words in the English lexicon.

Now when we talk about meanings, words tend to have two types of meanings that are denotative meaning and figurative meaning. The denotative meaning is that which literally describes the words according to technical terms. The figurative meaning on the other hand is responsible for giving another meaning to the word depending on the context, for example:

The denotative meaning of the word 'tree':

A tree is a large plant with a wooden trunk, branches, and leaves

Figurative meaning of the word 'tree':

Depending on the context we can find the family tree that refers to the biological sequence of families and their conformation.

The next important point is the way the words are written. The different forms can be prefixes, suffixes, or compounds (nouns made from two or more separate words). The process of adding prefixes or suffixes to words to change their meaning is called Affixation.

Retrieved from: Momeni, A. (2020, September 16). 13 Ways to Present Lexis. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://theultimateguidetocelta.com/2018/09/10/13-ways-to-present-lexis/

Important tips to teach lexis:

-Remember to ask questions to confirm that an understanding was achieved

-It is important to recognize the meaning before the form

-The context is an essential part

-The chunks (pre-made fragments to carry out communicative activities easily) are an essential part when teaching

-In many cases, lexical features are a good way to better recognize the meaning of words.

Keywords:

Lexis, forms, context, meaning, denotation, figurative, lexical features, lexical set, word families

Bibliography:

·       Momeni, A. (2020, September 16). 13 Ways to Present Lexis. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://theultimateguidetocelta.com/2018/09/10/13-ways-to-present-lexis/

·       Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2011). The TKT Course Modules 1, 2 and 3 (Second). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.            https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139062398.003

·       Nordquist, R. (n.d.). Lexis and Language. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://www.thoughtco.com/lexis-vocabulary-term-1691232

 

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