The definition of the word

Characteristics of the word as the basic unit of the language

An Outline

Lecture 2. The English Word as a Structure

Meaning is studied as interdependence btw words and their referents (things or concepts).

Deep- depth;

Wide- width;

Shallow- shallowness.

But: long – length;

Big- size.

Functional approach:

The syntagmatic (linear) combinatorial relations: Lexical units are context -dependent.

Ex.: the hat on her head(part of the body):: the head(chief, director) of the government (contextual meaning)

- contextual,

- valency,

- distributional (colligation, collocation),

- transformational types of analysis.

Referential (onomasiological) approach (theory of nomination):

Polydimentional opposition: comprises many elements of the system:

skilled:: unskilled;

Able:: unable;

accountable:: unaccountable;

affected:: unaffected;

armed:: unarmed;

Immovable, deforestation, miscalculate – the new words

Text

When some years ago, knowing ten words of English and using them all wrong, I applied for a translator’s job, my would – be employer (or would – not – be employer) softly remarked: “I am afraid your English is somewhat unorthodox.” This translated into any continental language would mean: EMPLOYER (to the commissioner): “Jean, kick this gentleman down the steps!

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