On the Embodiment of Economy Principle in the English Language

Abstract

Economy principle is also called that of the least effort, which is pursued by human being in various activities due to the innate indolence. It aims at the maximum effect with the least input. It displays itself in each language in different ways. It is reflected in both static and dynamic respects of languages. This paper mainly focuses on the embodiment of economy principle in the English language from four aspects: phonetics/phonology, lexis, syntax and semantics.