Serbian language textbooks and building up vocabulary at lexical and semantic levels in junior grade students

Abstract

Speech is an important factor for development and socialisation of a person, and the success of a communication process depends on speech skills. The research conducted by Piaget, Vygotsky and Rubinstein respectively show that language skills significantly affect the development of logical thinking. Since we live in an age when we are overwhelmed with information, it is necessary that we learn how to separate the important from unimportant information, and truth from lies, but still nourish proper relationship towards language and the culture of words. Knowing the sensibilities and subtleties of one’s mother tongue is a significant determinant of one’s life. Therefore, we should nourish and enrich our mother tongue, and not allow it to be endangered by any factor. The paper analyses the current Serbian language textbooks from the aspect of providing support to developing lexicalsemantic competences in junior grade students, that is, building up their vocabulary. The results of this theoretical analysis may point to the needs and possibilities of further research related to this complex issue, the designing of more comprehensive language textbooks, and organising lexical-semantic practical exercises more frequently in junior grades.