Describing Varieties: Lexis

Question 1

What is Lexicology?

Answer 1

The study of vocubulary and lexis within a variety

Question 2

What is Semaisiology? Give an example

Answer 2

When words have variation in meaning but the same form

e.g what is the meaning of the word pavement?

UK - The place where pedestrians walk
US - The road surface

Question 3

What is Omaisiology? Give an example

Answer 3

When words have variation in form but same meaning
or opposite

e.g. What do you call the place at the side of the road where people can walk on?

UK - the pavement
US - the side wal

Question 4

Give the two types of semaisiology and explain what they are…

Answer 4

homophony - this is where words sound the same but mean different things e.g tale and tail
polysemy - this is where words look the same and have similiar meanings e.g. mouth (human) mouth (river)

Question 5

Give the two types of omaisiology and explain what they are…

Answer 5

synonymy - this is where you have different words with the same meaning e.g bread bun = bap, bun, cake
antonomy - this is where you have different words for a different meaning - opposites - happy-sad

Question 6

What are colloquials?

Answer 6

Non-standard forms that remains across regions - widely spread and widely understod e.g bloke or lad

Question 7

What is slang?

Answer 7

It is short lived and it is limited to small social groups for covert prestige e.g wicked.

Question 8

What is jargon?

Answer 8

Specialised vocabularly towards an area of expertees, not widely understood or used.

Question 9

Occupational jargon can become regional

Answer 9

in areas when a single industry has dominated e.g bait for food in NE

Question 10

What causes changes in lexical variation?

Answer 10

Increase in geographical mobility, modern intercommunication and education