DISCOURSAL ANALYSIS OF LEXICAL BUNDLES IN POLITICAL SPEECHES

Abstract

This study investigates a new category of word combination referred to as lexical bundles. Lexical bundles has been defined by Biber et. al. (1999) as " sequences of three or more words that show a statistical tendency to co-occur" (Ibid:183). The study aims at exploring the functions of lexical bundles in political speeches, finding out the types of bundles used in political speeches. The study adopts Biber (2006) model of classification to the analysis of lexical bundles in some British political speeches. The main finding of this study indicates that the referential function of lexical bundles has taken a priority over other types of functions in the political discourse.