Mind Over Matter

The lexical approach is a method of teaching second or foreign languages that focuses on the role of words and phrases (also known as lexical items or chunks) in language learning and communication. The lexical approach assumes that language is not a system of rules and structures, but a collection of ready-made expressions that can be combined and modified to suit different contexts and purposes.

Lexical Approach for Second Language Learning

The lexical approach is based on the assumption that language consists of meaningful chunks of words that can be combined in various ways to produce fluent and natural speech or writing. These chunks, also known as formulaic sequences, prefabricated patterns, or multi-word units, are more than the sum of their parts and often have a fixed or semi-fixed form. For example, the phrase “by the way” is a chunk that cannot be easily modified or replaced by synonyms.

The lexical approach aims to help learners develop their lexical competence, which is the ability to use and understand lexical items appropriately and accurately in different contexts and situations. Lexical competence is an essential component of communicative competence, as it enables learners to express their ideas, opinions, and emotions effectively and appropriately. Lexical competence also facilitates the development of other language skills, such as grammar, pronunciation, and reading comprehension.

The lexical approach involves noticing, analyzing, recording, reviewing, and practicing lexical items in authentic texts and tasks. Noticing refers to becoming aware of the lexical items that occur in natural language use and how they are used. Analyzing involves examining the form, meaning, and use of lexical items concerning their co-text and context. Recording involves storing and organizing lexical items in a way that facilitates retrieval and recall. Reviewing consists of revising and consolidating the learned lexical items through spaced repetition and testing. Practising involves using the learned lexical items in meaningful communication and feedback.

The lexical approach also encourages learners to explore the collocations, idioms, metaphors, and other aspects of word meaning and usage that make up the lexicon of a language. Collocations are words that tend to occur together frequently and predictably, such as “make a decision” or “heavy rain”. Idioms are expressions with a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning, such as “break a leg” or “spill the beans”. Metaphors are expressions that use words or phrases from one domain to describe another discipline, such as “life is a journey” or “time is money”. These aspects of word meaning and usage are often culture-specific and challenging to learn from dictionaries or grammar rules.

The lexical approach is compatible with other methods and approaches that emphasize communication, interaction, and learner autonomy. The lexical approach does not reject grammar or vocabulary teaching but instead integrates them into a holistic view of language learning. The lexical approach also supports learner-centeredness, allowing learners to choose their texts and tasks according to their interests, needs, and goals. The lexical approach also fosters learner independence, equipping learners with strategies and tools to learn from exposure and experience.

Research in cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis, and corpus linguistics, among other fields, has impacted the lexical approach. Corpus linguistics is the study of language based on extensive collections of authentic texts (corpora) that represent how language is used in real life. Discourse analysis studies language beyond the sentence level, focusing on how texts are structured, organized, and connected to achieve different purposes and effects. Cognitive linguistics is the study of language as a reflection of human cognition, perception, and conceptualization of the world.

Advantages of Lexical Approach

The lexical approach has several advantages for second language learners, such as:

• It helps them develop a rich and varied vocabulary, essential for fluent and accurate communication. Vocabulary is the key to understanding and expressing ideas, opinions, feelings, and information in any language. By learning lexical items, learners can expand their range of expression and avoid repetition or simplification.
• It exposes them to authentic and natural language use, which can enhance their comprehension and production skills. Lexical items reflect how language is used in real life by native speakers and proficient users. By encountering lexical items in meaningful contexts, learners can develop their ability to infer meaning from context clues, recognize nuances and connotations, and adapt their language to different situations and audiences.
• It fosters their awareness of collocations, idioms, and other fixed expressions, which can improve their grammatical accuracy and pragmatic competence. Lexical items often have specific grammatical patterns or functions that cannot be predicted by rules or logic. By learning lexical items as wholes, learners can avoid grammatical errors or inappropriate usage that may hinder communication or cause misunderstanding.
• It encourages them to notice patterns and similarities among lexical items, facilitating learning and retention. Lexical items are not random or isolated units but part of a network of associations and relations. Learners can find patterns, generalizations, exceptions, or irregularities that can speed up and lengthen their retention of new lexical items by observing the relationships between lexical items in terms of meaning, form, or use.

Integrating Lexical Approach in Second Language Teaching

Integrating the lexical approach in a second language classroom is not an easy task. It requires careful planning, selection, presentation, and practice of lexical items. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to do it effectively:

• Choose lexical items that are relevant, useful, and appropriate for your learners’ level, needs, and interests. You can use textbooks, corpora, dictionaries, or authentic materials as sources of lexical items. Try to select lexical items that are frequent, common, or important in the target language or culture. Avoid lexical items that are too obscure, rare, or specialized for your learners’ purposes. Also, consider your learners’ background knowledge, motivation, goals, and preferences when choosing lexical items.
• Present lexical items in meaningful contexts, such as texts, dialogues, or situations. Avoid isolated lists or drills that do not reflect how language is used. Provide rich and varied input that contains lexical items in natural and authentic settings. Use texts or dialogues that are interesting, engaging, relevant, or familiar to your learners. Use situations that are realistic, practical, or possible for your learners. Ensure the contexts are clear, coherent, and comprehensible for your learners.
• Highlight the form, meaning, and use of lexical items. Explain or elicit their definitions, synonyms, antonyms, collocations, register, frequency, etc. Use visual aids, examples, or gestures to illustrate their meaning and use. Help your learners notice the spelling, pronunciation, word class, and grammatical features of lexical items. Help your learners understand the denotation, connotation, implication, and function of lexical items.
  Help your learners identify the appropriateness, politeness, formality, and style of lexical items.
• Provide ample opportunities for learners to practice lexical items in receptive and productive activities. Use tasks that require learners to notice, recall, manipulate, or produce lexical items in various contexts and situations. Use tasks that are interactive, communicative, meaningful, and purposeful for your learners. Use tasks that challenge and support your learners’ level and abilities. Give feedback and corrections when necessary.
• Review and recycle lexical items regularly. Use quizzes, games, or revision activities to help learners consolidate and retain the lexical items they have learned. Encourage them to use lexical items in their speaking and writing.

The lexical approach is a powerful and effective way of teaching second
or foreign languages. By integrating it into the classroom, language teachers can help your learners develop their vocabulary, communication skills, and language awareness.