1第一章-(词汇学序言).pptVIP

现代英语词汇学 Modern English LexicologyCompiled by Tan Jianchu Chapter 1A General Survey of a Word 1.1 Definition of a word What is a word ? This question has occupied the attention of linguists for ages. Although numerous definitions have been suggested, none of them seem to be perfect. Scholars still do not agree on the definition of the word. The wonder of language is beyond description! “But words are things, and a small drop of ink. Falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.” ____ George Gordon Byron, Don Juan “Words are what hold society together.” ____ Stuart Chase, Power of Words “ ′Careful with fire,′ is good advice, we know; ′Careful with words,′ is ten times doubly so.” — Will Carleton, The First Settler′s Story “′ When I use a word,′ Humpty-Dumpty said,′ it means just what I choose it to mean---- neither more nor less.′” —Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass When we talk about a word, we tend to think in visual terms. In this line a word can be defined as a meaningful group of letters, printed or written horizontally across a piece of paper. As defined in terms of spoken language, a word is viewed as a sound or combination of sounds which are made voluntarily with human vocal equipment. According to semanticists, a word is a unit of meaning. Grammarians, however, insist that a word be a free form that can function in a sentence, etc. To sum up, the definition of a word comprises the following points: a minimal free form of a language; a sound unit; a unit of meaning; a form that can function alone in a sentence Therefore, we can say that a word is a minimal free form of a language that has a given