Lexical Phraseology: Words That Go Together
Lexical phraseology refers to pre-fabricated chunks of language that are commonly used and often have a meaning that is different from the sum of its parts. These chunks are often called phraseological units, idioms, collocations, formulaic language, or lexical bundles.
Here's a breakdown of the key features of lexical phraseology:
1. Fixed or Semi-fixed Structure: These units have a specific structure that is often fixed or semi-fixed. They might include:
* Idioms: Completely fixed expressions with a non-literal meaning (e.g., "kick the bucket").
* Collocations: Words that frequently appear together, often creating a particular meaning (e.g., "heavy rain").
* Formulaic language: Ready-made phrases for specific situations (e.g., "How are you doing?").
* Lexical bundles: Short, recurring sequences of words (e.g., "in terms of", "on the other hand").
2. Meaning and Function: Lexical phraseology often conveys a specific meaning, sometimes different from the literal meaning of the individual words. They also serve various functions in communication, such as:
* Expressing emotions: "I'm over the moon."
* Providing clarity: "In other words..."
* Building relationships: "Nice to meet you."
* Facilitating efficiency: "See you later."
3. Importance in Language Acquisition: Lexical phraseology plays a crucial role in language acquisition:
* Learners acquire phraseological units as chunks of language.
* These chunks help learners understand and use language more naturally.
* They provide a foundation for developing fluency and accuracy.
Examples of Lexical Phraseology:
* Idioms: "kick the bucket" (meaning to die), "spill the beans" (meaning to reveal a secret).
* Collocations: "heavy rain" (instead of strong rain), "make a decision" (instead of take a decision).
* Formulaic language: "Happy birthday!", "Thank you very much."
* Lexical bundles: "I think that..." "In my opinion..." "On the other hand..."
Overall: Lexical phraseology is an important aspect of language that helps us communicate efficiently and effectively. By understanding how these pre-fabricated chunks function, we can better comprehend and use language in natural and meaningful ways.