Aims of lexicology

On the basis of detailed and exhaustive study of specific facts of lexis the investigator should:

- provide general characteristics of the modern English vocabulary;

- establish some peculiarities of the English vocabulary and structural models of the words making it;

- define productive and non-productive types and means of word-building in Modern English;

- give a systemic description of the modern English word stock and regularities which determine its national specificity.

Distinction is naturally made between General lexicology and Special lexicology. General lexicology is a part of general linguistics; it is concerned with the study of vocabulary irrespective of the specific features of any particular language. Special lexicology is the lexicology of a particular language (e.g. English, Russian, etc.), i.e. the study and description of its vocabulary and vocabulary units, primarily words as the main units of language. Special lexicology is based on the principles worked out and laid down by General lexicology, a general theory of vocabulary. So, the first units deal with some general lexicological problems such as word theory, some fundamentals of semasiology, morphological structure of words, etc.