Lexis vs Vernacular: Differences And Uses For Each One

When it comes to language, there are two terms that often get compared and contrasted: lexis and vernacular. But what exactly do these terms mean and which one is the proper word to use? Let’s dive in and explore the intricacies of these two linguistic concepts.

Lexis refers to the vocabulary of a language, including words and phrases. It encompasses all the words that are used in a particular language or by a particular group of people. Vernacular, on the other hand, refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region. It is the everyday language that is used by the general population and is often distinct from the formal language used in official settings.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both, as they refer to different aspects of language. Lexis is concerned with the words themselves, while vernacular is concerned with the way those words are used in everyday speech. Understanding the difference between these two terms is important for anyone who wants to have a deeper understanding of language and how it works.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of lexis and vernacular, including their origins, uses, and how they have evolved over time.

Lexis

Lexis refers to the total vocabulary of a language, including words and phrases that are commonly used in writing and speaking. It encompasses all the words that are used in a language, including technical terms and jargon. Lexis is an important aspect of language learning, as it enables individuals to communicate effectively and accurately.

Vernacular

Vernacular refers to the language or dialect that is commonly spoken by a particular group of people. It is the everyday language that is used in informal settings, such as in conversations between friends and family members. Vernacular can vary widely based on geographic location, social class, and cultural background.

For example, the vernacular of African American English is distinct from that of British English, as it incorporates unique grammatical structures and vocabulary that are not commonly used in standard English.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying your message effectively. The words you choose can either make or break your intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use lexis and vernacular in a sentence.

How To Use Lexis In A Sentence

Lexis refers to the vocabulary or set of words used in a particular language, profession, or subject. Here are some tips on how to use lexis in a sentence:

• Choose the right word that fits the context and conveys the intended meaning.
• Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to your audience.
• Use synonyms to add variety and avoid repetition.
• Consider the tone of your writing and use words that match the desired tone.
• Be mindful of the level of formality required in your writing and use words accordingly.

For example:

Incorrect	Correct
He was very happy about the outcome.	He was ecstatic about the outcome.
The doctor used a thingamajig to check my heart rate.	The doctor used a stethoscope to check my heart rate.

How To Use Vernacular In A Sentence

Vernacular refers to the informal language or dialect spoken by a particular group of people. Here are some tips on how to use vernacular in a sentence:

• Be aware of the intended audience and use vernacular that they can relate to.
• Use idioms and slang that are commonly used by the target group.
• Use vernacular to create a sense of familiarity and connection with the audience.
• Avoid using offensive or derogatory language.
• Consider the level of formality required and use vernacular accordingly.

For example:

Incorrect	Correct
The party was lit.	The party was lively.
What’s up, dude?	Hello, how are you?

More Examples Of Lexis & Vernacular Used In Sentences

As mentioned earlier, lexis and vernacular are two different types of vocabulary used in language. In this section, we will provide more examples of how these two types of vocabulary are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Lexis In A Sentence

• He was aghast at the news of his father’s death.
• The politician’s rhetoric was persuasive.
• The teacher used pedagogical methods to engage her students.
• The artist’s oeuvre spanned several decades.
• The scientist’s hypothesis was proven correct.
• The judge’s verdict was final.
• The author’s prose was lyrical.
• The doctor prescribed a potent medication.
• The musician’s virtuosity was evident in his performance.
• The chef’s cuisine was exquisite.

These sentences demonstrate the use of lexis, which are words that are more formal and typically used in academic or professional settings.

Examples Of Using Vernacular In A Sentence

• She ain’t gonna be happy about this.
• That party was lit!
• He’s got mad skills on the basketball court.
• Let’s bounce from this joint.
• She’s my BFF.
• That outfit is on fleek.
• He’s such a bro.
• She’s totally ghosting him.
• That’s so cray.
• He’s a total player.

These sentences demonstrate the use of vernacular, which are words and phrases that are more informal and typically used in casual or social settings.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to language use, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using lexis and vernacular interchangeably. However, doing so can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using Lexis When Vernacular Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using formal or technical language (lexis) when simpler, everyday language (vernacular) would be more appropriate. This can make your message difficult to understand and come across as pretentious or condescending. For example, instead of saying “I shall endeavor to procure the necessary documents,” you could simply say “I’ll try to get the papers.”

2. Using Vernacular When Lexis Is Required

On the other hand, using informal language (vernacular) when more formal or technical language (lexis) is required can also lead to confusion or misinterpretation. This is especially important in professional or academic settings. For example, instead of saying “I ain’t got no time for that,” you should say “I do not have time for that.”

3. Confusing Similar-sounding Words

Another mistake is confusing words that sound similar but have different meanings. For example, “affect” and “effect,” “compliment” and “complement,” or “discreet” and “discrete.” Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of your sentence and lead to confusion.

4. Failing To Consider Audience And Context

Finally, it’s important to consider your audience and the context in which you’re communicating. Using technical language that your audience may not understand can be just as confusing as using overly simplistic language in a professional setting. Additionally, the tone and formality of your language should match the situation. For example, it would be inappropriate to use slang or vernacular in a legal document.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Consider your audience and the context in which you’re communicating
• Use simpler language (vernacular) when appropriate
• Use more formal or technical language (lexis) when required
• Proofread your writing to ensure you’re using the correct words
• If in doubt, err on the side of formality

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between lexis and vernacular, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Lexis refers to the formal and standardized vocabulary used in academic, legal, or professional settings, while vernacular refers to the everyday language used by people in informal situations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between lexis and vernacular might change:

Academic Writing

In academic writing, lexis is typically preferred as it conveys a sense of professionalism and objectivity. For instance, if you were writing a research paper on the effects of climate change, you would use formal language to describe your findings and conclusions. Using vernacular language in this context would be inappropriate and could undermine the credibility of your research.

Social Media

In contrast, social media is a context where vernacular language is the norm. People use informal language, slang, and even emojis to express themselves on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Using lexis in social media posts can come across as stiff and out of touch with the platform’s culture.

Legal Documents

Legal documents are another context where lexis is preferred. The use of formal language and specific legal terminology is necessary to ensure clarity and accuracy. For example, a contract between two parties must be written in lexis to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Conversational Settings

In conversational settings, such as a casual chat with friends or family, vernacular language is the norm. People use informal language, slang, and even regional dialects to communicate with each other. Using lexis in these situations can come across as pretentious and out of place.

As you can see, the choice between lexis and vernacular depends on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the audience and purpose of your communication before deciding which one to use. By doing so, you can ensure that your message is conveyed effectively and appropriately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While lexis and vernacular each have their own set of rules for usage, there are certain exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Contextual Usage

One exception to the rules for using lexis and vernacular is contextual usage. In certain contexts, it might be more appropriate to use vernacular rather than lexis, or vice versa. For example, in a casual conversation with friends, using vernacular might be more appropriate as it helps to establish a sense of familiarity and camaraderie. On the other hand, in a professional setting, using lexis might be more appropriate as it helps to establish a sense of professionalism and expertise.

2. Regional Differences

Another exception to the rules for using lexis and vernacular is regional differences. Certain words or phrases might be considered lexis in one region, but vernacular in another. For example, the word “pop” might be considered vernacular in some regions of the United States, but lexis in others. Similarly, the phrase “y’all” might be considered vernacular in the southern United States, but not in other regions.

3. Linguistic Evolution

Finally, an exception to the rules for using lexis and vernacular is linguistic evolution. Over time, the meanings and usage of words can change, and what was once considered lexis might become vernacular, and vice versa. For example, the word “cool” was once considered vernacular, but is now considered lexis due to its widespread usage and acceptance.

Overall, while there are rules for using lexis and vernacular, it’s important to keep in mind that there are exceptions to these rules. Contextual usage, regional differences, and linguistic evolution can all play a role in determining whether a word or phrase is considered lexis or vernacular.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between lexis and vernacular, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two concepts in sentences.

Exercise 1: Lexis And Vernacular Identification

Read the following sentences and identify whether the underlined word(s) represent lexis or vernacular.

1. He was ecstatic when he received the news.
2. She was ticked off when she found out about the delay.
3. The doctor prescribed a medication for his patient.
4. He was feeling really down after the breakup.
5. The politician gave a speech about the economy.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Lexis or Vernacular
1. He was ecstatic when he received the news.	Lexis
2. She was ticked off when she found out about the delay.	Vernacular
3. The doctor prescribed a medication for his patient.	Lexis
4. He was feeling really down after the breakup.	Vernacular
5. The politician gave a speech about the economy.	Lexis

Exercise 2: Lexis And Vernacular Usage

Use the following words in a sentence, one using lexis and the other using vernacular.

1. Abundant
2. Cool
3. Exhausted
4. Freaked out
5. Insane

Answer Key:

Word	Lexis Sentence	Vernacular Sentence
Abundant	The garden was abundant with fresh vegetables.	There were tons of fresh vegetables in the garden.
Cool	The weather was cool and breezy.	The weather was chill and breezy.
Exhausted	After running the marathon, he was exhausted.	After running the marathon, he was dead tired.
Freaked out	She was freaked out by the horror movie.	The horror movie totally freaked her out.
Insane	The idea of jumping out of a plane without a parachute is insane.	The idea of jumping out of a plane without a parachute is crazy.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of lexis and vernacular in your writing and speaking. Keep in mind that both have their place, and it’s important to use them appropriately depending on the context and audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between lexis and vernacular. Lexis refers to the vocabulary of a language, while vernacular refers to the everyday language used by a particular group of people. By understanding this difference, we can better navigate the complexities of language use and better communicate with others.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Lexis and vernacular are not interchangeable terms
• Lexis is more formal and standardized, while vernacular is more casual and specific to a particular group
• Using the appropriate language for the situation is important for effective communication
• Language use can vary based on factors such as region, ethnicity, and social class

It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve our communication skills. By reading books, taking courses, and practicing writing, we can expand our lexicon and develop a better understanding of how language works.