Welcome to My English Pages. The lexical approach revolutionized language teaching by prioritizing
vocabulary over grammar. Introduced by Michael Lewis in 1993, this method challenges traditional
views on language instruction. At its core, the lexical approach argues that language consists
of grammaticalized lexis, not lexicalized grammar. This means that vocabulary, or lexis
is the foundation of language, while grammar plays a secondary role in managing meaning
The approach emphasizes that effective communication can occur with a stock of lexical
chunks, or prefabricated language units. Unlike traditional methods that focus on teaching
individual words and grammar rules separately, the lexical approach recognizes that a significant
portion of language consists of prefabricated items. These include single words, collocations
and institutionalized utterances. Native speakers have a vast stock of these lexical chunks
which are crucial for fluent production. The approach identifies several types of lexical
items. These include words, polywords, like, by the way, collocations, such as community service
institutionalized utterances, like, I will get it, and sentence frames, like, that is not as blank as you think. By focusing on these larger units of language
learners can develop more natural and fluent communication skills. The theory of learning
behind the lexical approach suggests that our brains store and process language in chunks
This allows for more efficient recall and production of language. By learning collocations
in lexical chunks as whole units, learners can store large amounts of language knowledge in
long-term memory, leading to more fluent and natural language use. In the classroom, the lexical
approach advocates for a shift away from the traditional present practice produce model
Instead, it encourages an observe-hypothesize-experiment cycle. Teachers are advised to use authentic materials focused on lexical variation and employ activities that help learners notice
and record language patterns and collocations. Classroom activities might include intensive listening and reading, chunk-for-chunk translation exercises, and word association games
The approach also emphasizes the use of dictionaries and other reference tools
as well as guessing vocabulary meaning from context. The lexical approach offers several
advantages. It exposes learners to authentic language use, promotes fluency, and encourages
learner autonomy. By focusing on real-life language, it helps students develop practical
communication skills more quickly. However, the approach is not without its challenges
It may not provide sufficient attention to grammar, which could be a disadvantage in academic
settings. Additionally, it requires extensive vocabulary knowledge, which can be daunting for some learners. The approach may also not suit all learning styles, particularly those who prefer
more structured, rule-based instruction. The lexical approach represents an evolution in language teaching rather than a revolution. It builds on principles already known to
communicative language teachers, while offering a fresh perspective on the nature of language
By emphasizing the importance of lexis and challenging the traditional grammar-vocabulary dichotomy, it provides a more holistic view of language learning and teaching. As we continue
to refine our understanding of language acquisition, the insights offered by the lexical
approach remain valuable. They remind us of the complex, interconnected nature of language
and the importance of teaching language as it is actually used, rather than as isolated components
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