Lexicography and the theory of lexis

Collin Yallop
School of Linguistics and Media, Macquarie University

When: Wednesday, 20th September 1995

Time: 4:00pm

Where: Room E6A357, Macquarie University

Abstract:

I'll begin with some brief background information about the Macquarie Dictionary and the Dictionary Research Centre. The DRC is concerned not only with the production of dictionaries and similar publications, but also with general investigation of the English language, especially current Australian usage.

This work inevitably raises theoretical questions about the nature of language: I'll focus on one of these questions, namely 'How does vocabulary relate to the rest of language?' I'll try to contrast formal and functional answers to this question, and to show the practical consequences of taking a formal or functional approach.

I'll give some examples of evidence from a large text corpus, and then outline a model of lexis as 'delicate grammar' and describe a small ARC- funded project which is using this model in an investigation of the patterning of verbs of saying in English.

Enquiries: Maria Milosavljevic 9850 6345 mariam@mpce.mq.edu.au