Analysis of French discourse of ecology: semantic and pragmatic approaches

elective courses

Without doubt, terms related to ecology are ubiquitous in the media. Their proper understanding requires not only an analysis of the term 'ecology' and its semantic field, but also knowledge of the vocabulary associated with this field, which is constantly evolving under the influence of borrowings or neologisms. The class aims to introduce the concepts behind the term 'ecology': ideology, semantics, pragmatics, evolution of vocabulary and perception of ecological lexis.

After an overview of the theory, in class we will explore and describe the vocabulary found in French-language media, in particular noun collocations with the adjective 'ecological' and their quasi-synonyms.

Core topics:

- the theoretical issues fundamental to the research topic undertaken will be introduced, as well as the theoretical and methodological assumptions used to describe the material collected (e.g. L. Guilbert (1973), J.-F. Sablayrolles (1996, 2000, 2011), S. Mejri (2000, 2005, 2011) and M.-F. Mortureux (1994, 2011);

- the classifications of word-forming processes proposed by French lexicologists will be introduced, e.g. formal neologisms, semantic neologisms, enrichment of the language system by borrowing and various derivations;

- the mechanisms and principles of the creation of new lexical units, the so-called neosemantisms, in which the main role is played by metaphors and metonymies, and the hierarchical relations between lexemes, i.e. the phenomenon of hyperonymy and hyponymy, as well as the theory of the prototype, will be discussed;

- the issue of synonymy will be investigated, with particular emphasis on synonymy in context;

- research situated in the current trend currently developed by S. Moirand (2000, 2007) and M. Veniard (2013) will be presented;

- the problem of the dissemination and popularisation of specialised terms by the media and the motivation in the creation of so-called media neologisms will be discussed;

- the collected material will be analysed (in a workshop format).

Literature will be provided in class.

Knowledge: knows and understands

P8S_WG.2 the main trends in the development of scientific or artistic disciplines in which education takes place

P8S_WG.3 methodology of scientific research

Abilities:

P8S_UW.1 use knowledge from different fields of science or arts to creatively identify, formulate and innovatively solve complex problems or perform research tasks, in particular:

- define the aim and subject of scientific research, formulate research hypothesis,

- develop research methods, techniques and tools and apply them creatively

- make conclusions based on research results

P8S_UK.4 participate in scientific discourse

P8S_UK.5 use a foreign language at B2 level of the European Educational Framework to the extent allowing for participation in the international scientific and professional environment

Social competence: is willing to

P8S_KK.3 recognise the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems

P8S_KR.1 maintain and develop the ethos of research and creative communities, including:

- conduct scientific activity in an independent manner

Credit for classes: active participation in classes and prepared oral (or multimedia) presentation on the theories learned during the course

Absences: 2

Pass mark - oral exam (in the re-sit session)