Corpus-based Data for Determining Specialised Language Features

Abstract

Corpus-based data have been used extensively to describe language use. Studies into specialised languages have adopted this approach to describe the English language used in different disciplines, such as Engineering English and Business English. Corpus-based analysis has also been used to determine the characteristics of specialised languages used by writers in RAs. Serving to contribute to the body of knowledge on characteristics of language use in RAs, this study presents the word lists analysis of research articles (RA) from two different disciplines-engineering and, business technology and innovation. The findings provide insights into the distinct features of these specialised languages in RAs. The RAs for both corpora were obtained from the Scopus database, and the frequency word lists for both were generated using the Wordsmith Tool 6.0. This study demonstrates not only the different word lists, but also empirical evidences in describing the two specialised languages. To do this, the analyses of the corpora involve the comparison of the general statistical details, the high frequency word lists, and the function vs. content word distributions. Insights into the characteristics of the specialised languages, such as provided in this study, are helpful in assisting students, researchers, writers, language practitioners to be more well-informed and more effective in using the specialised language. © 2020, World Academy of Research in Science and Engineering. All rights reserved.