Includes bibliographical references (p. 427-456) and index.

"Learning the vocabulary of a new language requires learning its semantics and lexical systems. Vocabulary acquisition is an ongoing process in which semantic networks or related words must be constructed, communication signals must be acquired, and lexical phrases must be learned for use in specialized scripts.

The focus of this book is the exploration of semantic and lexical theory and the practical application of this theory to language teaching and language learning. Following the format of its companion volume, Discourse and Language Education [...], each chapter contains a wide variety of hands-on practice activities as well as suggestions for application and research." (Book Cover)

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I: Semantics

1. Semantic features and semantic feature analysis
[1.1] Features
[1.2] Features in synonyms and antonyms
[1.3] Features in definitions
[1.4] Semantic features and grammar
[1.5] Evaluation of semantic feature analysis
Research and application

2. Semantic field analysis
[2.1] Semantic fields
[2.2] Semantic field displays
[2.3] Evaluation of semantic field analysis
Research and application

3. Core meaning and prototype theory
[3.1] Core meanings
[3.2] Prototypes
[3.3] Fuzzy categories, levels, and prototypes
Research and application

4. Relational models in semantics
[4.1] Types of relations
[4.2] Relational models
[4.3] Relational models in dictionaries
[4.4] Applying relational models
Research and application

5. Semantics of figurative language
[5.1] Pervasiveness of figurative language
[5.2] Categorizing figurative language
[5.3] Metaphor as a universal process
[5.4] Acquisition of metaphor
[5.5] Literary and conceptual metaphor [5.6] Social models and metaphor
[5.7] Metaphors of teaching and learning
Research and application

6. Semantic space across languages
[6.1] Universal categories
[6.2] Acquisition and error analysis
[6.3] Error analysis, loan translation, and cognates
[6.4] Predicting difficulty
Research and application

7. Script semantics and conceptual structure
[7.1] Scripts
[7.2] Scripts and semantics
[7.3] Script semantics, language teaching, and testing
[7.4] Thematic and conceptual structure theory

Summary of Part I

Research and application

Part II: Lexicon

8. Adding to the lexicon
[8.1] Borrowing
[8.2] Coinage
[8.3] Names of people and places
[8.4] Conversion
[8.5] Shifts
Research and application

9. Processes in word building
[9.1] Compounding
[9.2] Acquisition of compounds
[9.3] Reduplication
[9.4] Phrasal lexicon
[9.5] Idioms and proverbs
[9.6] How large can a lexical unit be?
[9.7] Clipping
[9.8] Initialization and acronyms
[9.9] Blends
Research and application

Part III: Lexical cases and morphology

10. Word classification
[10.1] Nouns
[10.2] Verbs
[10.3] Adjectives
[10.4] Adverbs
[10.5] Pronouns
[10.6] Conjunctions
[10.7] Prepositions
[10.8] Articles and demonstratives
Research and application

11. Morphology and derivations
[11.1] Identifying morphemes
[11.2] Classifying morphemes
[11.3] Derivations
[11.4] Derivational prefixes
[11.5] Derivational suffixes
[11.6] Other derivational processes
Research and application

12. Inflectional morphology
[12.1] Inflections
[12.2] Morpheme acquisition studies
[12.3] Errors in inflections and derivations
[12.4] Morphophonemic change
Research and application

Part IV: Vocabulary choice and discourse use

13. Variation in vocabulary choice
[13.1] Geography
[13.2] Gender
[13.3] Age
[13.4] Occupation
[13.5] Education
[13.6] Group and individual choices
[13.7] Formality
Research and application

14. The vocabulary of communication signals and speech acts
[14.1] Communication signals
[14.2] The lexicon of speech acts and speech events
Research and application

Part V: Vocabulary learning and vocabulary teaching

15. General vocabulary learning and learner strategies
[15.1] General issues
[15.2] Five essential steps in vocabulary learning
[15.3] Learner compensation strategies
Research and application

16. Vocabulary pedagogy and teacher strategies
[16.1] Unplanned vocabulary adjustments and teaching
[16.2] Planned vocabulary adjustments and teaching
Research and application

Conclusion

References

Index