Language Investigation Key Terms

Qualitative Data

Data that is descriptive and conceptual, often collected through interviews or open-ended surveys.

Quantitative Data

Data that can be measured and expressed numerically, often collected through structured surveys or experiments.

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on understanding the meaning and experiences behind language use, often through interviews or observations.

Quantitative Research

Research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns and make generalizations.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language.

Lexis

The vocabulary of a language, including words and expressions.

Semantics

The study of meaning in language, focusing on how words convey meaning.

Phonology

The study of the sound system of a language, including the rules governing sound patterns.

Dialect

A particular form of a language specific to a region or social group.

Register

The level of formality or informality in language use, often influenced by context.

Interpretation

The act of explaining the meaning of findings in relation to the investigation's aim.

Language Feature

Any specific element of language, such as syntax, lexis, or phonetics, that can be analyzed.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language.

Discourse Analysis

The examination of language use beyond the sentence level, focusing on how language functions in communication.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language.

Discourse

Written or spoken communication that extends beyond a single sentence.