O léxico em língua inglesa como ponto de partida para um ensino lexicultural

Abstract

To dissociate culture from a language, more specifically, in the lexicon, is a nearly impossible task, since the words are loaded with cultural elements. In this perspective, English language teaching and learning encompasses knowledge related to the sociocultural field of a complex system of ideologies and meanings contained in the lexicon. We used the theoretical basis for Lexicology (NATION, 2004), the studies on intercultural competence (BYRAM, 2012; CORBETT, 2003; FANTINI, 2012; KRAMSCH, 1995) and on corpus linguistics (BERBER SARDINHA, 2004, 2012). Our general objective is to investigate the present characteristics of the English language lexicon and cultural issues in order to promote a reflection on the theme. With regard to the specific objectives, we highlight the following: 1) explore the cultural load present in the lexicon, listing some relationships between language in use and culture, taking as a starting point a dictionary of culturally marked terms in English language (OXFORD, 2010); 2) search the dictionary for examples of terms that are culturally marked in English; 3) process and analyze terms and concepts using software - VocabProfile and key words in context by the COCA and 4) create a support material for teachers. In this sense, the present work is justified by the need to offer subsidies to teachers and / or English-speaking learners in order to develop the so-called intercultural competence. The present research aims to develop and practice the "fifth ability", stimulating the development of intercultural competence in the English language class with activities for the teacher and points out that the analyzed entries are in line with the definitions presented by the Oxford Guide, although it still brings other meanings represented by the samples of the reference corpus.