Lexical Semantics as a Tool for Developing Critical Reading in the Language Classroom

Abstract

This paper illustrates how a detailed analysis of lexical choices can evince the author’s ideological message in seemingly expository texts. The activity described, part of the content-based course English V: Technology, Environment, and Progress in the International Relations Program at the Universidad del Norte, leads students to the realization of their tendency to accept every written text as an objective depiction of reality without questioning the writer’s purpose or intentions. Furthermore, the comparison of two texts dealing with the same topic but written from opposing points of view helps the students understand how language can be manipulated for particular purposes.