Media-based Quantitative Analysis Of Taboo Words From Sociolinguistic Perspective

This thesis is a corpus-based study of taboo words in Media English. The investigation takes as its subject the taboo words that occur in the corpora. Through computer-aided corpus analysis,the article focuses on the characteristics and the ways in which taboo words behave in Media English Corpora compared with other corpora,i.e. BrownA,LobA,MTE,MEE and T4.Taboo words are often overlooked by English learners. Neither are they given adequate ready statements in common grammar books. A comprehensive study will be beneficial both to the students in helping them to have a profound understanding about both the use and usage of taboo words in ME and to the teachers in providing them with integrated information. The study is also expected to be helpful to researchers and textbook designers.Corpora and computer programs are utilized in search and analysis of the quantitative data. Modern statistical methods,such as sampling and hypothesis testing,are also employed in the study.At last conclusions are reached on the basis of the analysis. The findings of the various analyses of the corpus data are summed up. Suggestions for instructional guidance will be given as well.