Lexical vs. Lexicon

Attribute	Lexical	Lexicon
Definition	Relating to words or vocabulary	A collection of words or vocabulary in a language
Scope	Focuses on individual words	Encompasses all words in a language
Usage	Used in linguistics to refer to individual words	Used in linguistics and computational linguistics to refer to vocabulary resources
Function	Describes the properties and behavior of individual words	Provides a comprehensive inventory of words in a language

Definition

Lexical and lexicon are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different concepts in linguistics. Lexical refers to anything related to words or vocabulary, while lexicon specifically refers to the vocabulary of a language or the collection of words and phrases that make up a language's dictionary.

Scope

When we talk about lexical attributes, we are referring to the characteristics of individual words, such as their meaning, pronunciation, and grammatical properties. Lexical attributes can also include information about word frequency, collocations, and semantic relationships between words. On the other hand, when we talk about lexicon attributes, we are looking at the overall structure and organization of a language's vocabulary, including how words are categorized, how they are related to each other, and how they are used in context.

Function

Lexical attributes are important for understanding how words are used in sentences and how they contribute to the meaning of a text. By analyzing the lexical attributes of a word, linguists can gain insights into its syntactic and semantic properties, as well as its role in discourse. Lexicon attributes, on the other hand, are crucial for language processing and production. A well-organized lexicon allows speakers to access words quickly and efficiently, and to use them appropriately in different contexts.

Development

The development of lexical attributes in individuals is a complex process that begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. Children acquire new words through exposure to language and by making connections between words and their meanings. As they grow older, they learn more about the grammatical properties of words and how they are used in different contexts. Lexicon attributes, on the other hand, develop at a societal level and are influenced by factors such as historical events, cultural practices, and language contact. Lexicons can change over time as new words are borrowed, invented, or fall out of use.

Representation

Lexical attributes are typically represented in dictionaries, thesauruses, and other reference works that provide information about individual words and their meanings. These resources often include information about word origins, pronunciation, spelling, and usage. Lexicon attributes, on the other hand, are usually represented in linguistic databases, corpora, and other large-scale collections of language data. These resources allow researchers to analyze patterns in language use, track changes in vocabulary over time, and study the relationships between words in a language.

Importance

Both lexical and lexicon attributes are essential for understanding how language works and how it is used in communication. By studying the lexical attributes of words, linguists can uncover the underlying structure of a language and how words are related to each other. By examining lexicon attributes, researchers can gain insights into the cultural, social, and historical factors that shape a language's vocabulary. Together, these attributes provide a comprehensive view of how words function in a language and how they are used to convey meaning.