This document summarizes key concepts about describing the English language from Harmer (2007). It discusses lexis, including the vocabulary of a language, word meaning and how context is important to determine meaning. It also discusses metaphors and idioms, collocations, lexical phrases, and how words relate to each other through antonyms, synonyms, hyponymy, and connotation. Examples of metaphorical language, idioms, and metaphors are provided. Finally, it discusses lexical units, phrasal verbs, and how language can be analyzed as memorized chunks and rule-governed assemblies, citing Pinker (1999).

1. LEXIS Chapter 2: Describing the English Language. Harmer (2007) Power Point prepared by Prof. Estela and Liliana Monserrat, UNLPam. Facultad de Cs. Humanas Departamento de Lenguas Extranjeras

2. LEXIS: Vocabulary of a language Word meaning Metaphors and idioms Collocations Lexical phrases

3. Word Meaning Problem of polysemy , the same word can have many different meanings. It can be resolved by seeing the word in context.

4. A word in relation to others ANTONYMS: empty/full SYNONYMS: dear/expensive/costly, slight changs of meaning: Semantic fields: see, watch, glance peer, stare. HYPONYMY: Superordinate (fruit), hyponyms (orange, pear, peach, strawberry) CONNOTATION: Dont’ be cheecky!

5. Metaphorical use of words: The industry has promised to go green. Einstein , who was believed to be dumb up to the age of 16, turned out to be a genius. To get to the bank, turn right at the corner of Garibaldi and H. Lagos street.

6. Idioms and metaphors Ophelia: ‘ Tis brief my lord. Hamlet: As woman’s love. Similes: ..be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shall not escape calumny…To a nunnery go, and quickly too.. Why would thoust be a breeder of sinners?

7. Word combinations Fast asleep, a light sleep, wide awake ( lexemes, Crystal 2003) Clenched fist, but not clenched eyebrows…to frown Lexical phases: traffic lights, workshop, homework. Idiomatic expressions: fall in love, a close shave, an only child.

8. Michael Lewis (1993) The Lexical Approach Lexical Units : I’ll become archetypal: I’ll help you I’ll give you a ring. (Formulaic language) Phrasal verbs We can use words as prefabricated chunks, or within templates provided by grammar. Stephen Pinker (1999:26):” The mind analyses language as some mixture of memorised chunks and rule-governed assemblies”.

9. Bibliography Harmer J. (2007) The Practice of the English Language , Pearson Longman