What is cline as a technique in vocabulary improvement skills?

Answer 1

Cline of vocabulary means 'gradations of meanings', as reflected in the different words that can be used, or are used, to refer to a particular idea or concept.

For example, with regard to the 'cost' of an item seen in a shop, a simple range of expressions in the vocabulary cline of 'cost' might be:

• cheap, inexpensive, reasonable, pricey, expensive.

All the words or expressions in this cline are marginally different from each other, yet each relates to 'cost'. In this case they are indicators of degree/magnitude and/or of attitude to the cost!

IT IS USEFUL to to know a range of words associated with different concepts so that we can more clearly express and, if necessary, more precisely define what we mean.

IN CONVERSATION there is often a matrix of vocabulary clines taking place almost simultaneously as each speaker elaborates on, and refines what they or the other person has said. An analysis of almost all conversations will reveal that the use of vocabulary clines is fundamental to discussion and communication of ideas, especially when there are subtleties in meaning that need to be clarified so that both parties can, perhaps, move towards closer agreement, or, if not, at least to a better understanding of the other's view.

IN ADDITION to vocabulary clines being vital to communication, the greater the range of clines in a language, the greater is the language's value as a tool for open and creative expression.