The Corson Measure of Passive Vocabulary

This instrument for measuring passive vocabulary has its theoretical roots in the "use" theory of meaning: the understanding of an expression is manifested in the speaker's ability to use it in an identifiable mode of utterance. The Measure takes account of the notions conveyed by such phrases as "true semantic grasp," "extralinguistic context" and "motivated vocabulary." After describing the Measure's simple structure in outline, the paper examines its application in a practical research context where its rigour and applied value are increased by the interpolation of semantic field theory into the construction of items. An appraisal and statistical evaluation of the Measure prompts the conclusion that it is a very suitable instrument for comparing semantic variations in passive vocabulary.