lexicalitou

Lexicalitou is a coined term used in linguistics to describe a class of lexemes that exhibit dual function: they carry lexical content while simultaneously serving as discourse markers or stance indicators within the same language. The concept emphasizes that meaning can be modulated by context, prosody, and syntactic placement rather than by fixed dictionary definitions alone. Lexicalitou is often discussed in the context of multilingual contact zones and online communication, where words are borrowed and repurposed to carry both substantive meaning and discourse function.

Etymology and status: The word lexicalitou is a neologism created to illustrate polyfunctional words. It is not an established category in mainstream grammars, but it appears in some theoretical discussions and pedagogical examples as a way to talk about how a single form can perform multiple linguistic roles.

Characteristics: Core features include polyfunctionality (a form can function as both a content word and a discourse marker), context-driven interpretation (the role shifts with placement, intonation, and discourse position), and potential cross-linguistic uptake (contact with other languages can spread pragmatic uses along with form). Lexicalitou examples often carry social meaning beyond their core semantics, signaling attitude, stance, or alignment with a discourse community.

Implications: If considered in practice, lexicalitou affects how dictionaries define word senses, how language models handle polysemy and discourse functions, and how language learners interpret context in conversation and writing.

See also: polysemy, discourse marker, multifunctional word, language contact.