Exploring Lexical Bundles in American TV Dramas via Correspondence Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the characteristics and functions of lexical bundles in American TV dramas, and concludes that TV dramas can be appropriate and accessible materials for teaching English to non-native speakers if the drama series is based on a deeper understanding of its characteristic lexical bundles and drama characters. The method used was correspondence analysis, a statistical technique designed to analyze simple bidirectional and multidirectional tables bearing some correspondence between rows and columns. The study showed that correspondence analysis is capable of revealing characteristic lexical bundles and signature components of some TV dramas. The findings demonstrate that the characteristic expressions of the TV drama Friends signify surprise and annoyance; Lost and Prison Break, arrogance; Desperate Housewives, apology; and Ugly Betty, ignorance and gratitude. Each expression becomes a central aspect of the TV drama idiom.