Exploring Lexical Bundles in the Algerian Corpus of Engineering

Authors

Keywords:

Education, Masters dissertations, corpus linguistics, lexical bundles,

Abstract

Though lexical bundles have attracted the attention of many applied linguists, their variation by discipline and genre is an under-researched area, particularly with regard to Masters dissertations and in Arabic learner contexts. This paper explores the frequency, structure, and function of four-word lexical bundles used in successful Electrical and Electronics Engineering Masters dissertations written in English by Algerian students. A collection of 70 dissertations from four sub-disciplines – Power Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering and Control Engineering – was converted and compiled into a corpus. Lexical bundles were then extracted from each sub-discipline in turn and subjected to structural and functional analysis. The results of this study indicate commonalities as well as differences across the sub-disciplines. The findings can inform the practice of Engineering ESP teachers and contribute to Masters candidates in their dissertation writing.

Author Biographies

Fares Rezoug, Coventry University

Prior to my PhD at Coventry University, my previous studies were done in Algeria where I gradually specialised in English at the university level. After my Masters degree, I was among the Algerian students sent to the UK to continue their PhD degree under the Algerian-British scheme. Although I did my Masters in TEFL, I have become increasingly interested in approaches to and applications of Corpus Linguistics in my PhD.

Benet Vincent, PhD lecturer at Coventry University

Prior to moving into academia, I worked as an EFL and EAP teacher in Russia, China, the UK and Turkey, where I became increasingly interested in Corpus Linguistics, eventually moving to the University of Birmingham to complete my PhD, ‘Modality and the V wh’ pattern. Currently, I’m a lecturer at Coventry University. My main research interests are applications of and approaches to Corpus Linguistics, in particular in EAP but in other areas too. I have published in the areas of Corpus Linguistics, Corpus Stylistics and EAP, including in academic writing.

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Published

03/20/2018

How to Cite

Rezoug, F., & Vincent, B. (2018). Exploring Lexical Bundles in the Algerian Corpus of Engineering. Arab Journal of Applied Linguistics, 3(1), 47–77. Retrieved from https://arjals.com/ajal/article/view/77

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2018): The Status of English Language Research in The Middle East and North Africa Region

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New Articles

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