Lexicology [ LROM2171 ]

A linguistic background equivalent to the level of the Belgian "Bac en langues et littératures romanes". 

Describe the main axes of the French lexicon mechanisms through structural (distributional) or constructional approaches. Reflect on the links between lexicon and grammar.

Deepen knowledge of the lexical system mechanisms in synchrony. Become aware of the lexicon possibilities.

Oral examination with personal work to be presented during the exam.

The course begins with a series of theoretical presentations and continues with more applied sessions, establishing a link between theory and practice and designed to prepare students for the assignment that they are required to complete for the final assessment.

The context for this work is the study of neologism and the updating of real dictionaries.

In addition to the theoretical definition of a lexical unit (What is a word?), the course addresses multiple facets of lexicon, from the word (morpheme) to different forms of frozen expressions, not forgetting frozen sentences and proverbs, where lexicon and syntax meet. The two forms of lexical creativity: endogenous neologisms (lexical morphology and semantic aspects) and loan words, will be addressed alternately.

A bibliography drawn up to reflect the current year's programme is available on iCampus.

Course materials : detailed overview with select bibliography.