Introduction, Lexicology as a science

L E C T U R E 14


ENGLISH LEXICOGRAPHY. MAIN TYPES OF ENGLISH DICTIONARIES.


Plan for the lecture
1.The volume of dictionary and its use.
2. Changeableness of vocabulary system and the influence of extra-linguistic causes in the development of a language.
3.The causes of changeableness of the vocabulary system, owing to linguistic laws. (2 hours).
4.Problems of classification of vocabulary system of the English language, as a definite system of lexical units.
5.Problems of linguistic criteria of distinguishing lexico-semantic groups.
6.The stylistic differentiation of the vocabulary system of Modern English.
Wоrds can be classified in different ways. The classifica­tion of words may be based upon: similarity of meanings and polarity of meanings of words. The similarity of mea­nings is found in synonymic groups.
Synonyms are words belonging to the same part of speech different in morphemic composition and phonemic shape but identical or similar in meaning and interchangeable at least in some contexts. Ex. jump, hop, leap, spring, defend, pro­tect, guard shield; absence, privation, lack, want; error, mis­take; go, leave, depart. Complete synonyms do not exist. Bloomfield says each linguistic form has a constant an 1 specific meaning.
Polysemantic words can not be synonymous in all their meanings. Ex. The verb «look» is a synonym of see, watch, observe, in the meaning of «cMOTperb» but in another of its meaning it is synonymous with the verbs seem, appear (to look pale).
Each synonymic group contains one word the meaning of which has no additional connotations (it can be used in different styles). This word is called a synonymic dominant. Ex. In the group: change, alter, very, modify the word «change» is the synonymic dominant.
Synonyms may be divided into:
1) ideographic synonyms; 2) stylistic synonyms. Synonyms which differ in their denotational meanings are called ideographic synonyms. If the difference lies in their stylistic difference the synonyms are said to be stylistic. Ex. beautiful (usually about girls) and handsome (usually about men). These are ideographic synonyms but «to die — to pass away», «to begin — to commence*, «to see — to behold», «to end —to complete)), «horse — steed» are stylistic syn­onyms.