基于COCA语料库的动词Trigger的扩展意义单位研究

Research on Extended Meaning Units of Verb Trigger Based on COCA Corpus

摘要: 语言学习不仅涉及词法和句法，还需深入探索语境及其整体意义。本研究以COCA语料库为基础，通过分析动词“trigger”的词类联接、语义倾向及语境下的语义韵，研究其扩展意义单位。研究发现动词“trigger”具有广泛的搭配和用法，涉及多个领域，如自然灾害、健康、经济活动等。其类联接形式多样，并展现出多样的语义倾向，包括引发金钱事件、冲突、灾难、疾病等。此外，“trigger”的语义韵包括积极、中立和消极三种，它既可以用来表示积极地引发增长或变化，中立地表达引发某种活动或装置，也可以表示消极地表达引发某种活动或结果等。通过对“trigger”扩展意义的探究可帮助英语学习者深入明白并在正确的语境下使用“trigger”一词。

Abstract: Language learning involves not only morphology and syntax but also delves deeply into exploring context and its holistic meaning. Drawing upon the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), this study investigates the extended meaning unit of the verb “trigger” by analyzing its colligational patterns, semantic preferences, and semantic prosody within various contexts. The research reveals that the verb “trigger” boasts a wide range of collocations and usages, spanning multiple domains such as natural disasters, health, and economic activities. Its colligational patterns are diverse, manifesting a myriad of semantic inclinations, including eliciting monetary events, conflicts, disasters, diseases, and more. Furthermore, the semantic prosody of “trigger” encompasses three distinct categories: positive, neutral, and negative. It can be employed to signify the positive triggering of growth or change, neutrally express the activation of an activity or device, and negatively convey the initiation of an action or outcome. Exploring the extended meaning of “trigger” can help English-language learners understand and use the word “trigger” in the right context.