Lexical approach
History of the chosen method
Main ideas
View of language:
- vocabulary is the most important aspect of language.
- Vocabulary consists fo individual words and different kinds of chunks such as collocations, idioms, fixed expressions.
View of language learning:
- language is learnt by learning chunks as whole and complete units.
- Chunks need to be noticed by learners in order to be learnt, i.e. learners need ot become aware fo chunks and focus on them.
Classroom practices:
- The syllabus focuses on lexis.
- Learners work with authentic written or spoken texts in the classroom.
- Learners are given activities which encourage them ot notice chunks in texts, e.g. noting them down, underlining them.
- After noticing chunks, learners are asked to carry out tasks which will involve them in using the chunks
History
1. In 1993, Michael Lewis (it was a teacher, writer and publisher) published The Lexical Approach.
It built on the success of his earlier book, The English Verb (1986), his ‘key principle’ was: ‘Language consists of grammaticalised lexis, not lexicalised grammar’
2. One pioneering attempt was The Collins COBUILD English Course (Willis & Willis 1988)
the first book in the series was based on the 700 most frequent words in English, and the kinds of constructions that they typically occur in.
3. Lewis tends to align himself with Stephen Krashen’s view that ‘A central requirement of the Lexical Approach is that language material should be text and discourse rather than sentence based’.
*(About importance to use authentic texts for finding chunks)
4. Lindstromberg and Boers (2008) elaborate on this basic model, with a ‘three-stage programme for chunk learning’ which aims were help students notice the chunks
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
The lexical approach immerses learners in the authenticity of the language. It teaches language that is used in real-life situations, providing a burst of exposure to practical communication skills.
It ignites the flame of fluency in learners. The focus on vocabulary and phrases helps learners develop their fluency much faster, granting them the confidence to communicate effectively.
It promotes learners’ autonomy and encourages them to take charge of their own learning. By reading extensively, listening to authentic materials, and using dictionaries, learners develop their language skills independently, leading to language exploration and discovery.
It supports learner-centered teaching, empowering teachers to guide and facilitate rather than just lecture. This approach motivates learners to take an active role in their own learning, sparking a flame of engagement.
Disadvantages:
The lexical approach may neglect grammar, creating a perplexing gap in learners’ knowledge. While grammar is not entirely ignored, it may not receive the attention it deserves.
It may have limited application in academic settings, as learners require more formal and structured language skills. This limitation may hinder the approach’s effectiveness.
It demands extensive vocabulary knowledge, which can be a daunting challenge for learners who struggle with memorization and retention of new words.
It may not suit all learners, as some may prefer a more structured and rule-based approach to language learning. Additionally, learners with learning difficulties may find it hard to acquire and use new vocabulary in context.
Dimensions of methodology of the chosen method
Focus on function
The Lexical Approach emphasizes how words and phrases function in communication, focusing on the meanings and uses of vocabulary within real-world contexts rather than merely their grammatical forms. It highlights the importance of collocations, idiomatic expressions, and phrases that convey meaning effectively.
Experiential language learning
This approach encourages learners to engage with language through exposure to authentic materials and real-life contexts. Learning occurs through experiencing language in use, rather than through a purely analytical approach that might prioritize rule memorization.
Focus on communication
The primary goal of the Lexical Approach is to enhance effective communication. It prioritizes learners' ability to express themselves fluently and coherently using lexical chunks, rather than focusing on grammatical accuracy alone. The emphasis is on functional use of language in practical situations.
Language System
While it does include skills such as speaking and listening, the Lexical Approach often structures syllable around vocabulary and lexical items (e.g., collocations and phrases) rather than solely on grammatical structures. The syllabus focuses on how language is used in context, emphasizing the acquisition of vocabulary rather than isolated grammar.
Integrated
The Lexical Approach integrates vocabulary learning with grammar, speaking, listening, and other skills. Rather than treating vocabulary as an isolated component of language learning, it incorporates lexical items into various contexts and communicative situations, allowing learners to experience the interconnectedness of language components.
Cognitive (with Affective Elements)
The approach primarily emphasizes the cognitive aspects of language learning, focusing on understanding and using vocabulary and phrases. However, it does acknowledge the affective dimensions by promoting engagement with meaningful content and personal relevance, which can enhance motivation and emotional connection to the language.
Dialogic
The Lexical Approach encourages interaction, communication, and collaboration among learners. It places importance on dialogue and meaningful conversation, allowing learners to engage in dynamic exchanges of language and ideas rather than simply receiving information from the teacher in a one-way transmission model.
Inductive
The Lexical Approach generally favors an inductive approach, where learners observe and derive rules from examples of language use rather than being explicitly taught grammatical rules beforehand. Students are encouraged to notice patterns and relationships in vocabulary through contextualized practice.
Bilingual (with Monolingual Options)
While the Lexical Approach can be applied in both bilingual and monolingual contexts, it often supports bilingual strategies, particularly in teaching vocabulary and lexical chunks by making connections to students’ first languages. This can facilitate understanding and retention. However, it can also be effective in monolingual settings, where the focus is on immersive exposure to the target language.
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