Lexical Meaning•
Lexical meaning refers to the inherent meaning of a word or phrase as it is understood in a particular language. It encompasses the semantic content that a word conveys, which can include its denotation (the literal or primary meaning) and connotation (the associated or secondary meanings). Lexical meaning is distinct from grammatical meaning, which pertains to the function of words within sentences and their relationships to one another. The study of lexical meaning also involves examining how words are organized in mental lexicons the mental dictionaries that individuals use to store information about words. This organization includes aspects such as phonological form (how words sound), morphological structure (how words are formed), syntactic properties (how words function in sentences), and semantic features (what meanings they convey). Understanding lexical meaning requires attention to context because many words have multiple meanings (polysemy) or can sound alike but have different meanings (homonymy). (Lyons, J.1977:p 71).
For instance, spring” is a homonym because it has two completely different meanings. Spring” refers to the time of year between winter and summer. The followers bloom in spring.
Spring” also refers to a natural source of water where it flows from the ground (e.g., “They found a fresh spring in the mountains”).
In addition, cultural factors can influence lexical meaning significantly. Words may carry different connotations based on cultural backgrounds and experiences. For example, the term “freedom” might evoke feelings of liberation for some while representing chaos for others depending on their personal histories and societal contexts.
Grammatical Meaning
Grammatical meaning refers to the meaning conveyed in a sentence through the structure and arrangement of words, as well as grammatical signals such as tense, number, and word class. It is distinct from lexical meaning, which pertains to the dictionary definition of individual words. Grammatical meaning can change based on how words are organized within a sentence and the grammatical forms they take. In essence, grammatical meaning intensifies the communicative potential of language by using structural elements (e.g., verb conjugations, plural markers, and word order) to create clarity and coherence, transforming isolated word meanings into meaningful expressions of time, action, and relationships. (Crystal, D.1987).
Word Order
The order in which words are placed can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence, making it essential for effective communication. (Ibid).
Tense/Aspect
Tense is a grammatical means of indicating the time at which the action of the verb takes place. It typically relates to the distinction between past, present, and future. Aspect concerns the manner in which the verbal action is experienced or regarded for example, as completed or in progress. (Quirk, R.1973:p 40).
E.g. She read a book yesterday. This indicates a completed action in the past.
Number•
Number indicates the quantity of nouns, distinguishing between singular and plural forms. Singular nouns typically take singular verbs, while plural nouns take plural verbs. (Ibid).
E.g. They drink tea every day.
E.g. John washes his car every night.
Voice
