Is there a Core Vocabulary? Some Implications for Language Teaching

This article addresses some questions relating to the structural organization and function of aspects of the lexicon in English. It also explores possible pedagogic and other applications resulting from attempts to describe systematically a core vocabulary. The topic of ‘core’ vocabulary is, of course, not a new one, but further dimensions to the notion as well as a series of specific tests and the beginnings of new research are reported. Among the possible applications considered are some relevant to the fields of stylistics, lexicography, and vocabulary teaching.