The Lexical Approach, pioneered by linguist Michael Lewis, revolutionized traditional views of language learning by placing a strong emphasis on “lexis,” which encompasses not only individual words but also the complex web of connections they form. This approach offers a distinct departure from approaches that focus primarily on isolated grammar rules and structures.
One key characteristic of the Lexical Approach involves a focus on chunks of language, or collocations, instead of individual words. These prefabricated phrases, like “make a difference,” “by the way,” or “heavy rain,” form the building blocks of natural-sounding English. By focusing on chunks, learners acquire a more holistic understanding of how words are used together in everyday communication.
A second characteristic is a move away from traditional grammar instruction. The Lexical Approach advocates for a focus on the inherent grammar within lexical chunks. This implicit approach suggests students internalize grammatical patterns intuitively through exposure to authentic examples of the language, instead of memorizing explicit rules.
The classroom experience within the Lexical Approach also has unique elements. Teachers often use authentic texts and materials, such as news articles, podcasts, or literature, as the foundation for learning. These materials provide learners with rich examples of how lexical chunks and collocations are used in real-world contexts.
Activities within the Lexical Approach frequently involve tasks that encourage learners to notice, analyze, and manipulate various chunks of language. Students may identify common collocations in readings, practice using them in different contexts through role-playing and dialogue creation, or even engage in creative tasks like poem or song writing with specified lexical items. This emphasis on active learning fosters a greater awareness of how language works organically.
