Exploring Polysemy Through Prototypical Theory for Teaching Legal English in Contracts

Abstract

Young law students often get confused over the appropriateness and logic of using different terms in contracts and contractual clauses. This improper understanding of the right usage in the initial years usually sustains in their profession as well. Consequently, vague terms and ambiguities often become the root causes of contract interpretation disputes. Contract drafting skills and a strong hold on legal English are valued highly in the legal profession. Therefore, a systematic exposure to legal English is required in the formative years. The present working paper explores Prototypical theory of Polysemy by Cognitive Linguists in teaching legal English to the students of law. An introduction to the concept of 'Polysemes' and a discourse analysis of already existing contracts for polysemes is planned for the students. This is done to make students read some authentic legal contracts, understand and analyze them through discourse analysis for learning contract drafting. The study includes references to different types of contracts and clauses like those in the contract for sale of goods, contract for performance of services, memorandum of understanding, non-disclosure agreements, international contracts and other commercial contracts like memorandum and articles of association among others. The study is done to help students understand how appropriate selection of words is crucial in contracts and to help them learn contract drafting.