The Lexical Approach

The Lexical Approach is a method of language teaching that focuses on developing learners’ vocabulary and lexical competence, rather than their grammatical accuracy. This approach emphasizes the importance of vocabulary in language learning and suggests that learners should be taught vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context, through exposure to authentic language use.

Key Principles of the Lexical Approach

Vocabulary as Key to Language Learning: 

The Lexical Approach views vocabulary as the key to language learning and emphasizes the importance of developing learners’ vocabulary and lexical competence. This approach suggests that learners should be taught vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context, through exposure to authentic language use.

Importance of Collocations and Phrases: 

The Lexical Approach recognizes the importance of collocations and phrases in language learning. It suggests that learners should be taught chunks of language, rather than individual words, in order to develop their ability to use the language fluently and accurately.

Use of Authentic Materials: 

The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of using authentic materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV shows, in language teaching. This allows learners to develop their ability to understand and use the language in real-life situations.

Focus on Communicative Competence: 

The Lexical Approach emphasizes the importance of developing learners’ communicative competence, rather than their grammatical accuracy. This approach suggests that learners should be taught to use the language fluently and accurately, in order to communicate effectively in real-life situations.

Use of Technology: 

The Lexical Approach encourages the use of technology in language teaching, such as online dictionaries and language learning apps. This allows learners to access authentic language materials and practice their language skills in a range of contexts.

Advantages of the Lexical Approach

Focus on Vocabulary: 

The Lexical Approach places a strong focus on vocabulary, which is an essential component of language learning. By developing learners’ vocabulary and lexical competence, learners are better equipped to communicate effectively in real-life situations.

Use of Authentic Materials: 

The Lexical Approach emphasizes the use of authentic materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV shows, which makes language learning more engaging and relevant to learners’ lives.

Development of Communicative Competence: 

The Lexical Approach places a strong emphasis on developing learners’ communicative competence, which is an essential component of language learning. By teaching learners to use the language fluently and accurately, they are better equipped to communicate effectively in real-life situations.

Use of Technology: 

The Lexical Approach encourages the use of technology in language teaching, which can make language learning more engaging and interactive for learners.

Integration of Grammar and Vocabulary: 

The Lexical Approach integrates grammar and vocabulary teaching, which helps learners to develop a more holistic understanding of the language.

Disadvantages of the Lexical Approach

Limited Focus on Grammar: 

The Lexical Approach places a limited focus on grammar, which may result in learners’ grammatical accuracy being overlooked.

Lack of Emphasis on Accuracy: 

The Lexical Approach places a greater emphasis on fluency than accuracy, which may not be appropriate for learners who need to use the language in academic or professional contexts.

Need for Skilled Teachers: 

The Lexical Approach requires skilled teachers who are able to select appropriate authentic materials and create meaningful activities for learners.

In conclusion, the Lexical Approach is a useful method of language teaching that emphasizes the importance of developing learners’ vocabulary and lexical competence. While it has its advantages and disadvantages, it remains a popular approach to language teaching in many contexts around the world.