LINGVISTIC FEATURES OF POLYSEMOUS WORDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS OF LEARNING
Keywords:
Polysemy, language acquisition, semantic development, second language learning, vocabulary instruction, metalinguistic awareness, educational strategies, reading comprehension.Abstract
Polysemy - the phenomenon where a single word carries multiple related meanings - is a fundamental aspect of language that significantly influences both first (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition. Research indicates that children exhibit a preference for low-polysemy words during early vocabulary development, with a notable increase in polysemy over time, particularly in verbs. This progression is characterized by an initial rapid acquisition phase, followed by a slower, more stable phase. Educational strategies, such as using Venn diagrams and semantic mapping, have been shown to effectively enhance understanding of polysemous words, thereby supporting vocabulary development and reading comprehension. This paper explores the linguistic features of polysemous words and their impact on language learning, emphasizing the importance of targeted teaching methods to facilitate semantic development.
