Lexicology and Stylistics Introduction Flashcards

A set of practice flashcards covering the introductory lecture on lexicology, lexicography, dictionary types, and methods of lexical analysis.

When are classes cancelled due to exceptions in the schedule?

Classes are not held on March 18, April 1, and April 15, with assignments in MOODLE instead.

What is the definition of Lexicology?

Lexicology is the study of the lexis (lexicon/vocabulary/word stock) of a language as a system.

What is the focus of Lexicography?

Lexicography studies the art and craft of compiling dictionaries.

What is the historical significance of the bilingual cuneiform tablet from 3200 BCE Mesopotamia?

It listed Sumerian and Akkadian words to ensure that older Sumerian tablets would always be understood.

Who published 'A Dictionary of the English Language' in London in 1755?

Samuel Johnson.

What are the two types of dictionaries based on the way they present meaning?

Monolingual dictionaries (e.g., English-English) and bilingual dictionaries (translation dictionaries).

What are some examples of bilingual English dictionary authors mentioned in the notes?

Fronek, Hais, and Hodek.

What are the two organizational principles for dictionaries mentioned?

Alphabetical dictionaries and thesauruses.

What are the basic units of analysis in lexicology?

Word and lexeme.

How does the onomasiological approach function in the study of lexis?

It answers the question 'What‘s this?' by moving from an object/concept to its name (e.g., identifying an object as a 'book').

What is the semasiological approach (lexical semantics)?

It is an approach that answers the question 'What does this word mean?' by moving from the word to its definition (e.g., defining 'cottage').

What characterizes 'central vocabulary' in systematic relations?

It has high frequency across many different discourse domains (e.g., 'table', 'say').

What characterizes 'peripheral vocabulary'?

It consists of words or meanings used in limited discourse domains, often with lower frequency (e.g., 'house' meaning cardiovascular in a medical domain).

What is the difference between syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations?

The syntagmatic approach studies collocations (e.g., 'smooth water'), while the paradigmatic approach studies relations like synonymy and hyponymy.

What is the difference between the synchronic and diachronic approaches to lexicology?

The synchronic approach studies vocabulary of a certain period or contemporary situation, while the diachronic approach studies the development and change of lexis across time.

In what order did English vocabulary develop according to the diachronic approach notes?

Celtic – Germanic – Roman/Latin – Scandinavian – Norman French.