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1、Chapter 1 The definition of lexicology1.1 LexicologyThe term lexicology contains two Greek morphemes: lexicon and logie. The former means word and the latter means learning or the study of. The literal meaning of the term is the science of wordsLexicology is the branch of linguistics concerned with
2、the study of the vocabulary of a given language. It deals with words, their origin, development, history, structure, meaning and application. In short, it is the study of the signification and application of words.1.1.1 Aims of the course of English LexicologyAll the words in a language together con
3、stitute what is known as its vocabulary. Vocabulary is one of three elements of language: speech sounds, grammar and vocabulary. In learning a foreign language, it is very important to enlarge ones vocabulary. In order to learn and use English words correctly, those who major in the English language
4、 should acquire a basic knowledge of English lexicology.The aim of the course in English lexicology is to give a systematic description of the English vocabulary. Concretely speaking, English lexicology offers students an insight into the origin and development of the English vocabulary. It deals wi
5、th meanings of Modern English words and their changes in the course of historical development. It discusses the problems of word-structure and word-formation in English, including the formation of new words which have appeared since the Second World war. It also studies the use of English words, phr
6、ases and idioms.1.1.2 The significance of a course in English lexicology for language learning is also evident.The course will help the learners to enlarge their vocabulary and improve their ability to analyze and use English words. English lexicology as a theory of Modern English may be useful in v
7、ocabulary study because it derives from practice and should guide practice since it is known that language learning requires practice. Students will use the basic knowledge of English lexicology to understand the material already familiar to them from English classes and apply it in their further st
8、udy of English.1.2 The connection of Lexicology with other Branches of Linguistics.1) With phonetics 语音学:Phonetics is the study and systematic classification of the sounds made in the spoken utterance, that is, the study of speech sounds. It is closely related to lexicology. Without sound there is n
9、o word because every word is a unity of sound and meaning.2) With grammar:Vocabulary and grammar are organically related to one another. In learning a language, attention to grammar is as important as attention to vocabulary. It is noted that the vocabulary is the building material of a language. Th
10、e vocabulary of a language assumes tremendous importance when it comes under the control of grammar, which is concerned with the modification in form of words and the combination of words into sentences.3) With stylistics 文体学:Leech defines stylistics as the study of the use of language in literature
11、 and considers stylistics a meeting ground of linguistics and literary study. To put it here concerning lexicology, Stylistics is the study of optional variations in the sounds, forms, or vocabulary of a language, different situations of use, or different literary types. It should be mentioned that
12、lexicology studies stylistic variants on the basis of meanings of words and their changes: synonyms, antonyms, etc. Stylistics is concerned with language variety differing according to use rather than user. The same user may use different varieties for different purposes, different situations, in co
13、nversation with different people, to produce different effects. The same subject matter can be expressed in different styles, e.g.(1)His beloved friend has breathed his last (咽气了)(2)His dear friend has passed away （ 与世长辞）(3)His close friend has died （ 死了）(4)His old guy has kicked the bucket. （翘辫子）(5
14、)His old friend has abandon the world/ join the choir invisible/ go to Nirvana/pay the debt of nature（谢世/ 归寂/ 去极乐世界/ 了结尘缘）4) With historical linguistics:Historical linguistics studies words from the view point of diachrony, whereas lexicology studies words from the view point of both synchrony and d
15、iachrony, but especially of synchrony.1.3 Two approaches to the study of English lexicology.There are two main approaches to the study of English lexicology, that is, synchronic and diachronic. The term synchronic means describing a language as it exists at one point of time. The term diachronic mea
16、ns concerned with historical development of a language. A synchronic approach is an approach to the study of a language at one period of time, whereas a diachronic approach is an approach to the study of the change in a language that took place over a period of time.The following examples may illustrate the difference between the two approaches and their interrelation.1) Synchronically, words like January, February, etc. are simply English words, the names of the first and sec
