基于COCA语料库的动词“Embrace”的扩展意义单位研究

A Corpus-Based Study on the Extended Unit of Meaning of the Verb “Embrace” in COCA

摘要: 语言学习的核心在于把握词汇的语境化意义建构。本研究基于美国当代英语语料库(COCA)，选取动词“embrace”作为节点词研究其扩展意义单位，分析其在搭配词、类联接、语义倾向和语义韵等方面的特征。研究发现，“embrace”主要用于书面语体，能与名词、副词和形容词等词性形成多样化的类联接，构建出多元化的句法结构。在语义倾向上，该词体现出主动性、接纳性和包容性，常与价值理念和变革创新相关联。其语义韵以积极和中性倾向为主，消极倾向较少。该研究对二语习得和英语词汇教学有一定的启示作用。

Abstract: The core of language learning is to grasp the contextual meaning construction of vocabulary. Based on the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), this study selects the verb “embrace” as the node word to study its extended unit of meaning, and analyzes its characteristics in collocation, colligation, semantic preference and semantic prosody. The findings reveal that “embrace” is mainly used in formal written style, which can form diversified colligations with nouns, adverbs, adjectives and other parts of speech, and construct various syntactic structures. In terms of semantic preference, “embrace” reflects initiative, acceptance and inclusiveness, and is often associated with value concepts, change and innovation. Its semantic prosody is generally positive and neutral, with fewer instances of negative connotations. This study has some implications for second language acquisition and English vocabulary teaching.