Lexicalization: An In-Depth Guide
Meaning and Definitions
Lexicalization is a term used in linguistics to describe the process by which new words or phrases are created. It can refer to several distinct but related meanings, including:
- The process by which new lexical items (words or phrases) are created within a language.
- The process by which existing lexical items acquire new meanings or senses.
- The process by which non-lexical items (such as grammatical morphemes) become lexicalized.
Etymology and Historical Linguistics
Etymology is the study of the history and origin of words. Historical linguistics combines methods from linguistics and philology to study the historical development of languages. These fields play a crucial role in formulating etymological hypotheses about the origins of lexicalized words and phrases.
Types of Lexicalization
There are several different types of lexicalization, including:
- Morphological lexicalization: The process by which new words are formed by combining existing morphemes (the smallest meaningful units of language).
- Semantic lexicalization: The process by which new words or phrases acquire new meanings or senses.
- Grammatical lexicalization: The process by which non-lexical items (such as grammatical morphemes) become lexicalized.
Examples of Lexicalization
Examples of lexicalization include:
- The word "computer" was originally a noun that referred to a person who performed calculations. However, it has since become lexicalized as a noun that refers to a machine that performs calculations.
- The phrase "to kick the bucket" originally meant "to die." However, it has since become lexicalized as a phrase that means "to die or to be killed."
Comments