Functional variation in lexical bundles: A corpus-based comparative analysis of native and non-native web-based English

Mairam Arif; Behzad Anwar; Uswa Shahid

doi:10.71085/sss.05.01.506

Authors

Mairam Arif PhD Scholar, Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan
Behzad Anwar Associate Professor, Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan
Uswa Shahid PhD Scholar, Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71085/sss.05.01.506

Keywords:

cybersecurity, phishing, MFA fatigue, adversary-in-the-middle, detection engineering, identity telemetry, SIEM, blue team, incident response

Abstract

The current study compares the functional categories of lexical bundles in native and non-native web-based corpora. The main purpose of the study is to compare the frequency-based differences of lexical bundles in native and non-native corpora drawn from one of the largest web-based corpora. Drawing on interlingual differences, the study aims to unearth the different uses of lexical bundles by native and non-native users of English. A corpus-driven comparative approach is employed in the research to conduct the frequency-based differences. The data is obtained from one of the largest web-based corpora, GloWbe. AntConc (3.5.9) is used to derive 4-word lexical bundles from the corpus. Functional variations of lexical bundles presented by Biber et al. (2004) are used as a theoretical framework. The findings reveal that diversity in the use of lexical bundles exists among native and non-native speakers. Natives use lexical bundles in a more authentic, functional, balanced, and genuine way. At the same time, non-natives use the lexical bundles in a limited way in order to meet the needs of discourse functions only. Explicit instruction in lexical bundles offers a pedagogical advantage by enhancing students' ability to communicate effectively in academic discourse.