English words and meanings (ENG341)

Content

Words are the building blocks of language, and function as important identity markers. The influx of foreign loanwords into a language is sometimes seen as a cultural threat.

This course deals with the linguistic study of English vocabulary. It considers the structure of vocabulary in terms of form and meaning, and social and educational approaches, and the vocabulary of English as a global language.

This course deals with the study of English vocabulary and its acquisition. It explores topics such as meaning, metaphor, word formation, loanwords, vocabulary and style, formulaic language and the acquisition of vocabulary. In addition, students are introduced to the use of corpora and assessment tools in vocabulary research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

By the end of the course, the students will have gained advanced knowledge about:

• central concepts in the study of vocabulary, such as word family and lexeme
• word formation processes in English, both current and historical
• loanwords in English and their origin
• semantic relationships between words
• vocabulary and style, including academic vocabulary
• the role of formulaic language (multiword items) in learning a first and second language
• the role of corpus linguistics in vocabulary research
• vocabulary and the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing
• research-based vocabulary assessment and measurement

Skills

By the end of the course, the students will be able to:

• critically use corpora to obtain information about the semantics of words
• analyse and skillfully use a wide range of dictionaries, such as thesauri, collocation dictionaries and etymological dictionaries
• explain and use the most useful vocabulary learning strategies, e.g. lexical inferencing
• apply online vocabulary assessment tools

General competence

By the end of the course, the students will be able to:

• thoroughly discuss topics relating to vocabulary in society, such as the use of loanwords and specialised vocabulary, in an informed way
• independently reflect on the role of vocabulary learning in English as a global language (extramural English)
• critically reflect on ways to promote vocabulary learning in a global English society
• apply the knowledge of vocabulary in their own writing and linguistic choices

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

• One written assignment (600-800 words) one week.
• Oral group presentation (5 minutes)
• 75% presence at lectures.

Attendance is essential in order for students to develop advanced skills at Master level (Level 7): on the one hand, in-class activities offer practical demonstration of analyzing and dealing critically with various sources and using them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments through teacher-led activities, group activities, and feedback; and, on the other hand, in class participation ensures the development of the required level of academic English for communicating academic issues, conducting analysis, and offering evaluations and conclusions. This is essential both for skill development and the ability to transfer these skills to other areas.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Study Adviser:

Method of work

Lectures

3 hours per week for 8 weeks

Open for

Course assessment

Literature