Lexicology 2025

LINK TO OUR FINAL TEST (This link  is active now and will remain active until 8:00 AM on Friday, May 30. Once you open the test form, you will have 45 minutes to complete 20 questions, which include both open-ended and multiple-choice formats. The questions will be based on Exercises 1–9 below. Your semester grade will appear in USOS on May 30. If you score below 50%, I will contact you individually to arrange a resit.)

Week 1  - word formation. Lexicology is "the science of words". This semester we will try to learn all there is to know about words of a language. First, let's find an answer to the very fundamental question: where do all those words come from? Have a look at this presentation (we will use it on Thursday). And then fill in the following Exercise 1  (submit by March 13th). Have fun (even more so if you try doing it without AI:). We'll discuss the results of the questionnaire next week (and the key will be provided).

Week 2 - phonology and phonetics. Every word as a binary linguistic sign consists of form and meaning. We will soon discuss the latter (word semantics, meaning relations) but this week we will focus on the spoken form of a word - a quick phonetics and phonology refresher .  presentation,  Exercise 2 (submit by March 20th)  ; AI generated podcast based on the presentation 

Week 3  - writing. Last time we discussed the spoken form of words and now of course we ought to consider the written form - the various writing conventions. Study this presentation first and then submit Exercise 3. (by March 27th)

Week 4  - morphology. This week we will discuss a topic that is definitely central for the science of words: "How are words structured"? And for that we need another quick refresher - this time from morphology. Presentation,  Exercise 4. Submit your answers by Apr. 3rd.

Week 5 - Lexical relations. How are words related? In other words - lexical relations (and other animals). Exercise  5, submit your answers by Apr. 17th. Presentation 

Week 6 - Lexicon, mind and culture. This week we will take a closer look at the unbreakable bond of lexicon, mind and culture- one of my favourite topics. I hope you'll find it interesting too. Exercise 6 ,  submit your answers by Apr 24th. group feedback.

Week 7 - Pragmatics.  Words have meanings - everybody knows that. Do they? Is this really what YOU think? Is it????  I hope not, and here's why: Exercise 7, video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsPswzOBsK0. Submit your answers by May 8th (there's no class on May 1st, obviously).

Week 8 - Language (lexicon) and social relations. Last time we learned to tell the difference between direct and indirect speech acts. The indirect kind is where things get interesting — it's all about beating around the bush, hemming and hawing, talking in circles, and generally taking the scenic route instead of getting to the point. But why do people do this? Are they just being polite, or are they trying to avoid stepping on toes (or egos)? And what does all this verbal dancing mean for our relationships with others? Do this exercise and find out: Exercise 8. Submit by May 15th.

Week 9 - Lexicon and social variation. Bevvie, jar, booze, pint, cold one or brew? How is jargon different from slang? What are the social markers?  Exercise 9.  Submit by May 22nd.

Well done, thank you. This was our last exercise this semester. Next Thursday, May 29th, we'll have our on-line test. Kind regards, JW.

Always submit your answers before our next class. It is mandatory but don't feel too stressed, this is not a test yet. I even dare to hope (deep down) that you might sometimes enjoy it - after all, studying should be fun. 

Contact me if you have any questions at jacek.wozny@uwr.edu.pl