Readings in English Lexicogrammar

Readings in English Lexicogrammar adopts a sociolinguistic approach to the study of English. Viewing language as essentially a social activity involves examining and describing not only the formal aspects of language but also how it “means”: that is, taking account of functional theories of language. The various meaningful functions that language performs are studied in relation to the individual within a social context. Identity, as well as communication, are therefore essential factors in the sociolinguistic approach. Rather than being concerned with language in an abstract sense, it takes into account how language is actually used in authentic contexts. Linguists working within this tradition examine real examples of language in use and are concerned with the authentic speech and writing of people interacting in naturally occurring social contexts. The papers included in the book cover various aspects of English lexicogrammar from both a diachronic and a synchronic perspective. Topics such as the way collocations are used in naturally-occurring discourse and the way they are recorded in dictionaries are covered in depth by the first two papers. These are followed by in-depth explorations into how the English language is changing to give rise to new varieties.