French Lexicology

Teacher(s)

Fairon Cédrick;

Language

French

Main themes

Describe the main ways in which the French lexicon functions, using structural (distributional) or constructional approaches. Reflect on the relationship between lexis and grammar. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Explore how the lexical system works in synchronicity.
2	Raise awareness of the potential of the lexicon.

Content

Overview of the main issues addressed in lexicology and presentation of the field in relation to neighbouring disciplines such as lexicography, metalexicography, terminology, lexicometrics, etc.
Analysis of the development of thinking about the lexicon through the evolution of descriptive tools, from medieval bilingual glossaries to electronic dictionaries, collaborative dictionaries such as Wiktionary, and dictionaries developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Discussion of lexical phenomena and study of the tools required for their analysis:

• in relation to the meaning (lexical semantics) and form (morphology) of lexical units;
• from the perspective of lexical creativity, including both endogenous neology (derivation, compounding, semantic development) and exogenous neology (borrowing).

Discussion of the relevance and implications of the study of lexicology in contemporary society, and of the relationship between the theoretical concepts covered in the course and linguistic phenomena observed in everyday language use.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, practical sessions, required readings, and an individual assignment.

Evaluation methods

Individual assignment to be submitted before the examination period, and a written examination during the examination period.

Other information

The use of artificial intelligence tools in the preparation of the individual assignment is limited to the conditions specified in the assignment guidelines. Any work that does not comply with the rules set out in this document will be deemed inadmissible and will, in particular, result in a failing grade.

Online resources

See links on Moodle.

Bibliography

Bibliographie disponible sur Moodle.

Teaching materials

• Syllabus partiel du cours
• Présentations PPT
• Le petit Bon usage de la langue française. 2e édition (2024). Partie 2 : Les mots (pp. 57-84)

Faculty or entity

> ELAL