Introducing Lexicomatic Calisthenics

When you think of games, you think of excitement, fun, strategy, winning and the likes. I am sure we are familiar with games like Super Mario, Candy Crush, Tetris, Car Race, Ludo, Chess, Scrabble and the rest. As thrilling, interesting and entertaining as most of the games we play are, most of them are less educative, less engaging, and a waste of precious time.

As much as we play games for leisure, relaxation and for other personal purposes, some long for games that will enrich and improve them in some ways. For such people - young and old - and many others, we bring to you the next big thing initiated by a Nigerian for the whole world: Lexicomatic Calisthenics 

Lexicomatic is not a dictionary word; it is coined from the word lexicography.

According to the oxford English dictionary, lexicography is defined as the theory and practice of writing and editing dictionaries. Calisthenics on the other hand refers to exercise carried out to develop strong bodies.

Lexicomatic Calisthenics (from our conception) is a word game played to develop an accurate and intelligent mind. Words and their meanings are manipulated to yield other words and meanings. It entails quick and sharp reasoning and helps to build and improve one’s vocabulary.

 

How the game is played:

We break a di-syllabic or multi-syllabic word into syllables. We then give the dictionary meanings of as many syllables as the word contains. We expect that the player reason out the syllables and come up with the root word which is the answer to the question.

Take for example the word WITCHCRAFT which can be broken into two syllables, WITCH & CRAFT.

This word can also be broken into two segments with each syllable standing as a word:

WITCH

CRAFT

Let's play the game:

* Consider a word of two syllables which is divided into two segments:

First segment - a woman who is believed to have evil magic powers.

Second segment- an activity involving a special skill at making things with the hand. 

Having being provided with the meanings/definitions as read from the segments, it is then left for you to get the correct words to these meanings and merge them into a single word that makes complete sense and has a meaning of its own.

The first definition means WITCH while the second means CRAFT. Merging the two syllables (words), we have the root word WITCHCRAFT.

Interesting and educative, isn't it?

This game is initiated by Platinum Entertainment Nigeria to contribute to the development of education in the country. It would be particular helpful to students/the younger generation of people who spend most of their time on the internet. Finally, here is a game that will not only interest and engage them but also educate and improve their vocabulary and use of English.

We enjoin all and sundry to play this game and also introduce it to their friends and family.

ARE YOU SMART ENOUGH TO WIN MY PRIZES?
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