Type, Kind, or Sort: Exploring Near Synonyms through Corpus Analysis

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Thitaporn Putklang
Naviya Chutopama
Panupan Panthong

บทคัดย่อ

          One of key problems in learning vocabulary among second language learners is near synonyms. Previous studies explored different sets of near synonyms to contribute the evidence-based knowledge for L2 learners and classroom implantation. This study aims to investigate the differences among three synonyms e.g., type, kind and sort and study the noun and adjective collocations in relation to semantic preferences. Using the Corpus of Contemporary American English, it examines the frequency of these words across various genres and their noun and adjective collocations, selected based on the significant MI score level of ≥ 3 and categorized by theme. The findings found that these synonyms, despite some similarities, cannot be used interchangeably as their usage varies across genres. The word ‘type’ is predominantly linked with medical contexts while ‘kind’ and ‘sort’ often appear in discussions about groupings and classifications. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating these insights into teaching materials and classroom strategies to enhance the vocabulary acquisition process for L2 learners, ensuring a more precise and comprehensive grasp of language usage.

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บทความวิจัย (Research Paper)

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