Автор: Пользователь скрыл имя, 06 Февраля 2013 в 17:44, курс лекций
Lexicology (from Gr lexis ‘word’ and logos ‘learning’) is the part of linguistics dealing with the vocabulary of the language and the properties of words as the main units of language.
The term vocabulary is used to denote the system formed by the sum total of all the words and word equivalents that the language possesses.
The term word denotes the basic unit of a given language resulting from the association of a particular meaning with a particular group of sounds capable of a particular grammatical employment. A word therefore is simultaneously a semantic, grammatical and phonological unit.
Here are some examples of synonyms which are differentiated by stylistic connotations. The word in brackets starting each group shows the denotation of the synonyms.
(meal): snack, bite (coll.), snap (dial.), repast, refreshment, feast (formal).
These synonyms, besides stylistic connotations, have connotations of attendant features.
Snack, bite, snap all denote a frugal meal taken in a hurry; refreshment is also a light meal; feast is a rich or abundant meal.
(girl): girlie (coll.), lass, lassie (dial.), bird, birdie, jane, fluff, skirt (sl.), maiden (poet.), damsel (arch.).
(to leave): to be off, to clear out (coll.), to beat it, to hoof it, to take the air (sl.), to depart, to retire, to withdraw (formal)
Questions of the seminar
1. Say why synonyms are one of the language's most important expressive means. Illustrate your answer with examples.
2. Synonyms are sometimes described as words with "dual" characteristics. What is meant by this?
3. The meanings of two apparent synonyms may be in a way opposed to each other. Why are such words still regarded as synonyms? Give examples.
4. How are synonyms traditionally defined? On what criterion is this definition based? Which aspects of this definition are open to criticism?
5. How can synonyms be defined in the terms of com-ponential analysis? On what criterion is this definition based?
6. Show how the dual nature of synonyms can be clearly seen if they are regarded through semantic criterion.
7. Why is the definition of synonyms based on the criterion of interchangeability open to question? Illustrate your answer with examples.
8. What types of synonyms were defined in Academician V. V. Vinogradov's classification system? Which aspects of this classification are open to question?
9. What is the modern approach to classifying synonyms? Illustrate this classification with examples.
10. What connotations differentiate the verbs to peep and to peer; the adjectives pretty, handsome and beautiful"}