The Lexical Landscape of Begin, Start, and Initiate: A Corpus-Based Analysis of English Synonyms
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The Corpus of Contemporary American English, Corpus-Based Study, Synonymsบทคัดย่อ
Synonyms can pose challenges for language learners, as Hemchua and Schmitt (2006) observed, particularly due to misunderstandings that arise from inappropriate word choices. This study employed a descriptive corpus-based research methodology, incorporating both quantitative analyses of frequency distributions and qualitative examinations of collocational patterns, to analyze the synonymous verbs “begin,” “start,” and “initiate,” which appeared in the Oxford 3000 and 5000 lists—key vocabulary for English learners. The study aimed to examine instances of these verbs in the Corpus of Contemporary American English, supplemented by data from Longman and Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries. By integrating corpus findings with dictionary insights, the study examined the frequency, distribution patterns, noun collocations, and semantic differences of these verbs. The analysis revealed that although “begin” and “start” were often interchangeable, “start” was preferred for scheduled events, while “begin” suggested initiation after deliberation. The verb “initiate” was predominantly used in formal and proactive contexts. These distinctions emphasized the importance of context in verb choice. By applying Mutual Information scores of 3 or above, the study uncovered significant collocational patterns, offering insights that extended beyond traditional lexical descriptions. The findings highlighted the pedagogical value of teaching vocabulary within contextual frameworks and demonstrated the potential of corpus linguistics in improving English as a Foreign Language instruction in contemporary educational settings.
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