A7. Lexical Variants

Summary of "201EN A7. Lexical Variants"

This lesson introduces the concept of lexical variation—cases where different forms (words or spellings) represent the same meaning. Unlike semantic variation (one form, multiple meanings), lexical variation involves multiple forms for one meaning. This is a key topic for dictionary compilation and lexicon structuring in tools like FLEx (FieldWorks Language Explorer).

Key Concepts:

• Lexical Variants have:
  
  

  • Identical meanings (sense information)
    
    

  • Different forms (e.g., color vs. colour, elevator vs. lift)
    
    

  • Conditioning elements such as dialect, formality, or region
    
    

  • A "basic" or standard form based on frequency, dialect dominance, or historical use
    
    

Types of Lexical Variants:

• Spelling variants (e.g., check vs. cheque)
  
  

• Dialectal variants (e.g., trunk vs. boot)
  
  

• Free variants (used interchangeably without clear conditioning)
  
  

• Contractions (e.g., information → info)
  
  

Representation in Dictionaries:

• Equal relationship: multiple pronunciations or synonyms listed or cross-referenced
  
  

• Dependent relationship: variants linked to a main entry using:
  
  

  • Minor entries (brief, no full definition)
    
    

  • References (links) in main entries
    
    

  • Both minor entry & reference
    
    

Implementation in FLEx:

• Entries can be linked as variants (main ↔ variant)
  
  

• Tools and fields include:
  
  

  • Variant Form, Dialect Labels, Variant Type
    
    

  • Show Minor Entry checkbox
    
    

  • Comment field for notes
    
    

• Four variant types can be assigned and modified
  
  

• Activities included in the lesson guide users through linking, adding, and observing variants in FLEx
  
  

Learning Outcome:

By completing this lesson, users understand how to recognize and represent lexical variants and apply these concepts using FLEx, including customizing how these variants are displayed in dictionaries.