INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
In the digital age, online product reviews have become essential, merging modern technology with effective communication These reviews offer valuable technical insights, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions The accessibility and speed of online reviews enhance consumer understanding, allowing for careful consideration before buying a product.
Online reviews are primarily categorized into two types: written and spoken This study emphasizes spoken reviews, highlighting their unique ability to combine visual video evidence with the presenter's delivery, enhancing engagement with the audience.
The language used in online reviews possesses various linguistic features that attract linguists interested in its persuasive effectiveness in influencing consumer decisions A primary focus of many researchers is the helpfulness of online reviews (Markus et al., 2015; Laurie et al., 2017; Goele et al., 2017; Hijbul et al., 2016; Sohail et al., 2016) To assess this, they employ sentiment analysis on reviews gathered from everyday customers on popular e-commerce platforms While some linguists explore semantic analysis to predict the helpfulness of product reviews (Yang et al., 2015), the predominant emphasis remains on the written content of these reviews.
This study addresses the lack of reviews in spoken English by examining the linguistic features, particularly the lexical characteristics and semantic functions, found in reviews of the latest high-end cameras The aim is to enhance understanding of these linguistic elements in spoken English reviews.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of my research is to study the lexical features and semantic functions in English that are used in online reviews, especially for the latest high-end cameras
In order to achieve the aim of the research, the researcher follows the objectives:
- To identify and analyze the lexical features in English reviews of the latest high-end cameras
- To identify and analyze the semantic functions in English reviews of the latest high-end cameras.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This thesis focuses on answering the two main questions that can clarify the objectives:
1 What are the lexical features in English reviews of the latest high- end cameras?
2 What are the semantic functions in English reviews of the latest high-end cameras? luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This thesis examines the lexical features and semantic functions of English in online product reviews, specifically focusing on the latest high-end cameras The research analyzes open class words at the word level, investigating the types of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs used in these reviews Additionally, it aims to identify the functions of these lexical features within the context of high-end camera reviews.
The researcher investigates the latest high-end digital cameras, recognizing their significant impact on consumer decisions due to a large community of users Reviews from reputable sources across various camera brands are analyzed to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and language in the evaluations.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research significantly enhances the understanding of lexical features and semantic functions in English camera reviews It clarifies key aspects of lexicology and essential semantic functions present in professional reviews The study's findings are valuable for teaching descriptive language and expanding learners' vocabulary related to electronic product reviews, particularly cameras Additionally, English users will improve their ability to identify intentions and meanings within the context of these reviews.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Camera : a device for taking photographs and/or videos
This camera review provides an in-depth analysis of its features, including detailed specifications and operational descriptions It evaluates the camera's performance through various metrics, such as timing and image quality measures Additionally, the review includes comparisons with competitive models, culminating in a conclusion that offers suggestions based on thorough testing and personal experience with the camera.
High-end camera : The cameras that are on top of the line; referring to the most sophisticated, and typically the most expensive, product in a line.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The study is organized in five chapters as follows:
Chapter 1, Introduction, gives the rationale, aim and objectives, the scope, research questions, the definition of term, and the organization of the study
Chapter 2, Literature Review and Theoretical background, provides some of previous studies in the field and the basic concepts, and theoretical background related to the study
Chapter 3, Research Methodology, deals with the research methods, procedures, description of data, data collection, data analysis, and reliability and validity
Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, draws out the results of the research with the researcher‟s comments luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Chapter 5, titled "Conclusions and Implications," summarizes the key findings and conclusions of the study while acknowledging its limitations It also offers suggestions for future research.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
PARTS OF SPEECH
Parts of speech are the basic of grammar and they are the most important units for starting to understand the language Quirk and Greenbaum
According to Quirk and Greenbaum (1973), English speech is composed of units that form the essential elements of a sentence They categorize parts of speech into open and closed classes Closed class items, which cannot typically be expanded with new members, include articles, demonstratives, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections In contrast, open class items consist of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
The English language is infinitely expandable, with new nouns continually being introduced, making it impossible to compile a comprehensive inventory of all existing nouns.
Quirk and Greenbaum (1973) argue that the classification of parts of speech is not always distinctly divided into open and closed categories, particularly within the verb class, which includes both lexical verbs and auxiliaries, as well as the adverb class, which encompasses manner adverbs and intensifier adverbs.
The parts of speech, despite their specific labels, are quite heterogeneous, particularly in the cases of adverbs and verbs Both categories contain small, well-defined groups of closed-system items alongside a vast array of open-class items For verbs, the closed-system subgroup is referred to as "auxiliary" verbs In the realm of adverbs, a broad distinction can be made between those that end in -ly, which correspond to adjectives (e.g., completely), and those that do not, such as now, there, forward, and very.
Greenbaum in 1996, consolidate the system of open-closed classes by adding the numeral and auxiliary into the closed class words
Quirk et al (1985) claim that modal verbs can be divided into two types of modality meaning:
(a) Those such as 'permission', 'obligation', and 'volition' which involve some kind of intrinsic human control over events, and
Terms like 'possibility', 'necessity', and 'prediction' primarily reflect human judgment rather than direct control over events, focusing on what is likely to occur.
The two types of modality can be classified as INTRINSIC and EXTRINSIC, with a gradient between them Notably, each modal verb possesses both intrinsic and extrinsic meanings; for instance, "may" can indicate permission (intrinsic) as well as possibility (extrinsic).
(extrinsic); will has the meaning of volition (intrinsic) and the meaning of prediction (extrinsic) (Quirk et al, 1985, p 219)
Quirk et al (1985) highlight the overlap and neutrality between intrinsic and extrinsic modal meanings, noting that modals often share similar meanings and can be interchangeable in certain contexts.
This thesis primarily examines open class items, also known as lexical or content words, as they can be expanded through compounding and used for descriptive purposes While modal auxiliaries and intensifier adverbs are classified as closed class words, they possess qualities that convey mood and intensity of information, making them relevant in the analysis.
LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS
The study of semantic theory has been significantly shaped by renowned linguists, particularly Lyons, who highlights the impact of his work, "Semantics: Volume I and II." According to Lyons (1977), the concept of the semantic field was first introduced by various German and Swiss scholars in the 1920s and 1930s, although its historical roots can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century, with influences from thinkers like Humboldt (1836) and Herder (1772).
Gao and Xu (2013) synthesize many linguists‟s definitions of semantic field:
Semantic fields refer to groups of words with closely interrelated meanings The term "field" originates from physics, where it describes the spatial arrangement of objects, such as electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields, each illustrating the principles of their respective forces This concept was later adapted in linguistics to explore the relationships between different words, leading to the development of semantic field theory.
Brinton and Brinton (2010) highlight Lyons's identification of three primary types of semantic fields—synonymy, hyponymy, and oppositeness—in her book on the linguistic structure of modern English, making the concepts more concise and accessible for readers.
Synonymy, as defined by Brinton and Brinton (2010), refers to the sameness in meaning or sense of words Examples include pairs like unhappy/sad and huge/enormous It is important to note that synonymy is context-dependent; for instance, pale and light can be synonymous in "The shirt is pale/light in color," but not in "the book is light," where pale is incompatible Additionally, synonymy focuses on denotation rather than connotation, as seen in horse/steed/nag Synonyms can also vary in intensity, such as rain/showers/sprinkles/downpour Brinton highlights that synonymy can be influenced by stylistic factors, including social and geographic dialects, exemplified by cookie in the U.S and biscuit in the U.K.
Hyponymy, as described by Brinton and Brinton (2010) based on Lyons (1977), is a relation of inclusion or entailment between terms In this relationship, the superordinate term encompasses the hyponyms, which are specific instances of the broader category For example, hyponyms like sparrow, eagle, and hawk entail the meaning of the superordinate terms such as bird or animal This entailment is unidirectional; stating "I bought a sparrow" implies "I bought a bird" or "I bought an animal," but the reverse does not hold true This illustrates a hierarchical structure in animal hyponyms, where "sparrow" entails "bird," and "bird" entails "animal."
In their exploration of oppositeness, Brinton and Brinton (2010) categorize relationships into three types: complementarity, antonymy, and converseness Complementarity refers to a contradictory relationship where the denial of one term affirms its complementary counterpart, exemplified by pairs such as dead/alive and legal/illegal In contrast, antonymy involves gradable values that can be compared in varying degrees, with examples including fat/fit/thin and hot/warm/cool/cold/freeze.
The converseness refers to a terms of words that can be reversal For example, luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Susan purchased the car from Tim, which implies that Tim sold the car to Susan This relationship exemplifies a concept known as symmetry, as highlighted by Brinton, where statements can be expressed in both directions, such as in the case of Helen being married to David and David being married to Helen.
The theory of semantic fields reveals that words within the same semantic field are plentiful and can convey similar ideas through their denotations or connotations Therefore, understanding the semantic meanings of words is crucial for gaining comprehensive knowledge of the relevant field and for grasping the speaker's intentions.
Language serves to convey the speaker's meaning, enabling listeners to understand and respond appropriately Each utterance is made with a specific purpose, whether to express emotions, request assistance, or offer advice Essentially, language communicates messages and feelings According to Leech's (1981) framework, these purposes can be categorized into five language functions: informational, expressive, directive, aesthetic, and phatic.
The informational function is “neutral” and “most important” (Leech,
1981, p.40) This function concentrates on the message since it helps people to deliver message, to describe things, to provide new information to other people
The expressive function of language serves to convey the speaker's emotions and attitudes, as highlighted by Leech (1981) Unlike the informational function, it does not provide specific information to the listener but instead reflects the speaker's feelings, which can be either positive or negative This function reveals aspects of the speaker's personality and influences how the listener may respond For instance, when someone says, "The cat is adorable," they are not imparting factual information about the cat but rather sharing their personal affection for it.
The directive function of language aims to elicit specific actions or reactions from the listener, emphasizing social control and interpersonal interaction This function is characterized by commanding and requesting, which influence the listener's behavior rather than the speaker's thoughts, as the effectiveness of these commands or requests relies on the listener's response In contrast, the aesthetic function of language focuses on the intrinsic beauty of linguistic expression, serving no particular purpose beyond artistic appreciation According to Leech (1981), this function intertwines conceptual and affective meanings, prioritizing the artistic quality of words and phrases over the accuracy of information.
The fifth function of language is the phatic function Leech (1981) defines it as a function to maintain social relationship:
The phatic function of language plays a crucial role in maintaining open communication and nurturing social relationships, exemplified in British culture by the common practice of discussing the weather According to Leech (1981), this function is distinct from the aesthetic function, as it emphasizes the act of communication itself rather than the content of the message.
The phatic function is essential for initiating or maintaining conversations, as illustrated by Leech's example of the British tendency to discuss the weather Such discussions often lack substantial value or critical information, serving primarily to facilitate social interaction While these conversations may occasionally include noteworthy details, their main purpose is not to convey essential information.
Although the five functions of the language are proposed by Leech
(1981), he also claims that those functions are not an ideal classification In fact, in reality, a number of different functions can be found in a sentence and
Language rarely serves a single purpose; it often encompasses multiple functions simultaneously (Leech, 1981, p.41) For instance, the statement “I feel like a cup of tea” can convey various meanings: it may inform others about the speaker's current state, express their feelings, and even serve as a subtle request for a cup of tea.
To identify language functions, Leech highlights five essential features in communicative situations: subject-matter, originator (speaker or writer), receiver (hearer or reader), the communication channel, and the linguistic message itself These features are somewhat analogous to the concepts of "context" and "co-text" proposed by Yule (1997) Yule defines context as the physical environment encompassing participants, locations, times, and other physical elements, while co-text refers to the linguistic material related to the patterns that precede or follow an analyzed utterance.
LANGUAGE FOR REVIEW
The rise of multimedia and the internet has made it easy for consumers to access product reviews, which are crucial for informed purchasing decisions Understanding high-end products is increasingly important, as consumer knowledge directly influences spending habits Effective product reviews must be honest and impartial, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses to engage viewers and empower reviewers Additionally, the language used in reviews often overlaps with critical language, reflecting a connection between description and value evaluation, as noted by Casey (1966).
Language for description is widely introduced by some linguists, Kane
Descriptive language focuses on sensory experiences, primarily visual, but also includes other perceptions such as sound and taste (2000, p.352) Its social function is to depict specific people, places, or things According to Gerot and Wignell (1994, p.208), the structure of descriptive language consists of two main components: first, identification, which identifies the phenomenon to be described, and second, the description itself, which details the parts, qualities, or characteristics of the subject.
Watkins (2005) present several grammatical features of descriptive language for expanding further in descriptive writing
Reviewers assess products based on their time and experience, using language that reflects their felt experiences According to Downes (2000), there are three types of felt experience: emotions, evaluations, and intuitions He further explains that evaluations are contextual interpretations of experiences measured on binary scales, such as good versus bad, desirable versus undesirable, and important versus unimportant (Downes, 2000, p.102).
The product review aims to serve as a reliable resource for understanding the product while steering clear of biased information from manufacturers' advertisements To achieve this, reviews should present well-reasoned arguments, include descriptive details, and provide visual assessments, enabling audiences to make informed purchasing decisions.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES
In recent years, linguists worldwide have shown a growing interest in the study of online reviews, particularly those written in English Their research focuses on analyzing the linguistic characteristics of these reviews and understanding how the language employed can significantly impact consumer behavior.
Linguists are increasingly focused on the significance of online reviews, particularly in understanding what makes certain reviews more helpful than others By analyzing high-ranking reviews, researchers can pinpoint key features that contribute to their helpfulness, allowing readers to better assess the value of other reviews.
Mudambi and Schuff (2010) explored how the extremity of negative and positive star ratings, along with product types, influences the perceived helpfulness of reviews Pan and Zhang (2011) identified valence and length as key features that can predict review helpfulness, noting that their impact varies across different product categories Additionally, Park (2018) highlighted three main factors—rating, word count, and analytical thinking—that significantly affect the prediction of review helpfulness, while factors like positive/negative emotions, comparative expressions, cognitive process words, and perceptual processes have a lesser influence.
Numerous linguists have explored methods to predict the usefulness of online reviews Kim et al (2006) developed a support vector machine regression system for automatic assessment and ranking of review helpfulness Zhang and Tran (2010) introduced a linear model for predicting the helpfulness of product reviews Krishnamoorthy (2015) examined features that facilitate this prediction, utilizing the Linguistic Category Model (LCM) of adjectives, state verbs, and action verbs as a framework to create a new prediction model Park (2018) evaluated four popular data mining techniques—linear regression, support vector regression, M5P, and random forest—across various product types, finding that support vector regression was the most reliable method for predicting review helpfulness.
Recent studies have explored the linguistic features of online reviews to assess their helpfulness, with a focus on sentiment analysis Wang et al (2014) introduced a sentence-based language model that effectively classifies sentiment in reviews, yielding more accurate results Yang et al (2015) utilized only review text and two interpretable semantic features, contrasting their approach with methods that incorporate non-text elements like star ratings to predict review helpfulness In 2016, Hijbul et al developed a joint multi-gran topic sentiment model, further advancing the semantic analysis of online reviews.
Research has examined various factors, including emotions and numerical ratings, that influence viewers' perceptions of the helpfulness of product reviews Notable studies in this area include Ahmad and Laroche's (2015) investigation into how expressed emotions affect review helpfulness, Goele, Tim, and Verlegh's (2017) analysis of how prior reviews' language and valence shape online consumer reviews, and Laurie and Han's exploration of the impact of language style on consumer reactions to reviews.
The analysis of product reviews has gained significant attention from linguists over the past two decades, focusing primarily on the linguistic features and semantic analysis of English reviews While previous research has aimed to assess the usefulness of these reviews using consumer feedback, such as short comments and star ratings, there has been a lack of exploration into the lexical features and semantic functions of camera reviews from a professional perspective This study aims to investigate these aspects in English reviews of the latest high-end cameras, contributing valuable insights to the broader field of online reviews.
The author has examined key studies on online product reviews, focusing on the prediction of review helpfulness and the theoretical aspects of lexical features, such as open and closed class words, as well as semantic functions related to language The next chapter will delve into the research methodology.
This chapter outlines the study's data, detailing the collection and analysis processes It begins with an introduction to the research methods and approaches utilized Following this, the chapter discusses data collection, including sources, samples, and the data-gathering process The analysis of the data is then presented within the context of the study's theoretical framework Finally, the chapter addresses the reliability and validity of the research findings.
This study investigates the linguistic characteristics of English camera reviews for the latest high-end cameras, focusing on their lexical features and semantic functions To accomplish this, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed.
The qualitative approach helped the work to figure out what kinds of lexical features and semantic functions are employed in English camera reviews
The quantitative approach gave statistics of the components in lexical features and semantic functions in order to summarize the frequency in each feature and function.
RESEARCH METHODS
In attempting to reach the goal of the study, several methods such as the descriptive, analytic, and synthetic method were combined:
The analytic method was employed to categorize and explain specific lexical features and semantic functions found in English camera reviews.
- The descriptive method was used in the investigation of data to describe the characteristics of the lexical features and semantic functions in English camera reviews
- The synthetic method was adopted to synthesize the findings and draw out conclusions in the end of study process.
DATA COLLECTION
This article examines English reviews of the latest high-end cameras, utilizing data samples from YouTube to capture high-quality video reviews YouTube was selected as the primary platform due to its status as the largest online video-sharing community, which hosts a significant English-speaking audience.
To ensure accuracy and reliability in the study, the researcher limited the number of reviews to typical ones, considering the vast scale and diverse approaches from numerous reviewers Specific criteria were established to maintain the integrity of the data.
The article reviews high-end cameras released since 2018, focusing on products from the top five leading manufacturers: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic These brands have consistently dominated the camera market, offering top-selling models that exemplify quality and innovation.
Reviewers, whether individuals or teams, should remain independent from manufacturers to ensure unbiased evaluations Their positive reputation in camera reviews and extensive experience in testing make them credible professionals in the field.
The videos ranged from 5 to 15 minutes in length to ensure conciseness and eliminate unnecessary details Additionally, each video needed to have over 100,000 views to demonstrate the reliability of the camera review.
With the criteria mentioned above, the data was collected in December
2019 and summarized in Table 3.1 to present an overview of the data collection
Table 3.1: Data overview of English reviews for the latest high-end cameras on
Reviewers Jared Polin DPReview Engadget
62 82 71 92 92 luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Table 3.1 provides an overview of the data collected for the study, which includes spoken samples in both American and Canadian English The dataset comprises 2,731 lexical feature samples and 399 semantic function samples, all of which meet the study's criteria.
The data collection can be summary as the following procedures First,
This article presents an analysis of five YouTube videos featuring professional reviews of the latest high-end cameras from 2019 The videos were transcribed to prepare raw data, which was then categorized into open and closed class words, focusing on terms related to camera descriptions as lexical features Additionally, all utterances were considered as semantic features A total of 2,731 lexical feature samples and 399 semantic function samples were analyzed to determine their frequency and prominent linguistic characteristics in English reviews of high-end cameras The findings and discussions derived from this data analysis are reported in detail.
DATA ANALYSIS
Based on the theoretical frameworks mentioned in Chapter 2, the author has synthesized and proposed the analytical frameworks for data analysis as follows:
The study utilized the open-closed class system proposed by Quirk and Greenbaum (1973) to analyze the lexical features of English camera reviews for high-end cameras It specifically focused on open-class words, including nouns, lexical verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, while excluding closed-class words from the analysis Quirk and Greenbaum (1973) noted that certain verbs and adverbs can blur the lines between open and closed classes, particularly those functioning as auxiliaries or indicating time, place, degree, and frequency.
Modal auxiliaries express mood, while adverbs of degree and frequency indicate the intensity of statements The analytical framework incorporates a system of open-class words along with specific closed-class words, including modal auxiliaries and adverbs of degree and frequency.
The Linguistic Category Model (LCM), developed by Semin and Fiedler in 1991, serves as a conceptual framework for understanding the psychological properties of language, as highlighted by Krishnamoorthy in 2015 This model categorizes language into three broad linguistic types: adjectives, state verbs, and action verbs, which form the basis for the analytical framework of this study A detailed description of the LCM is provided in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2: The Linguistic Category Model proposed by Semin and Fiedler
(1991) in the study of Krishnamoorthy (2015)
ADJ (Adjectives) Qualifies a noun; Highly subjective and abstract
SV (Stative Verbs) Refers to mental or emotional state SAV (Stative Action Verbs) Describes the emotional consequences of an action; high positive or negative connotation JAV (Interpretive Action
Presents multitude of actions that have the same meaning; have a positive or negative connotation DAV (Descriptive Action
Presents objective description of a specific action; no positive/negative connotation
Table 3.3 presents the adjusted analytical framework used in this study to analyze the lexical features found in English camera reviews.
Table 3.3: Framework for analysis of lexical features in English camera reviews
Describing Characteristics and Judgments AdjCJ Adverbs
The second analytical framework for examining semantic functions in English camera reviews is based on Leech's (1981) model, which identifies five language functions: informational, expressive, directive, aesthetic, and phatic However, since the aesthetic and phatic functions are not the primary focus of English camera reviews, they were excluded from this study The remaining three functions—informational, expressive, and directive—were further analyzed and categorized into various functions and sub-functions.
The modified analytical framework of semantic functions in English camera reviews in the current study is presented in Table 3.4
Table 3.4: Framework for analysis of semantic functions in English camera reviews
Giving disappointment luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Predicting Giving a prediction of the future
Attracting Catching attention Questioning Seeking an information Mixed functions Various functions
The study utilized a combination of descriptive, analytic, and synthetic methods for data analysis Descriptive methods highlighted the key lexical and semantic features of English camera reviews, while analytic methods clarified and justified various types of lexical features and semantic functions Finally, synthetic methods assisted in synthesizing the results and presenting the study's conclusions.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
In this work, the reliability and validity were stabilized from the stage of the data collecting, through the theoretical reviewing, to the methodology approaching
The study established stringent criteria for data collection, focusing exclusively on high-end camera reviews from YouTube, a globally recognized video-sharing platform Only reviews created by professional reviewers that garnered a significant number of views were included in the analysis.
This study explores foundational English linguistic theories from renowned linguists, including Quirk and Greenbaum's (1973) lexicology theory of open-closed systems and Leech's (1983) semantic theory of language functions Additionally, it references prior research on product reviews to inform the analysis of English camera reviews.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
LEXICAL FEATURES OF ENGLISH IN CAMERA REVIEWS
The analysis of five camera reviews, based on the previously established lexicology framework, reveals a classification into five primary groups: nouns, lexical verbs, modal verbs, adjectives, and adverbs Each group comprises various components, each serving a distinct function in describing or referencing objects An overview of the lexicology components, along with their numerical and percentage contributions to the camera reviews, is detailed in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Distribution of lexicology in camera reviews
Words Category Numb Per Numb Per
Modal Verbs 140 5.13% 140 5.13% luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Words Category Numb Per Numb Per
Table 4.1 and Graph 4.1 reveal that lexical verbs dominate camera reviews, contributing 1,113 words, which represents 40.75% of the total Nouns follow in second place with 804 words, accounting for 29.44% Adjectives contribute 449 words at 16.44%, while adverbs and modal verbs contribute 225 words (8.24%) and 140 words (5.13%), respectively Detailed breakdowns of each word class are provided for clarity.
Graph 4.1: Percentages of lexicology in English camera reviews luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
In camera reviews, nouns play a crucial role in crafting effective descriptions and comments These nouns can be categorized into three groups: physical descriptions, non-physical descriptions, and judgments According to Graph 4.2, the percentages of these three subcategories of nouns are illustrated in the context of English camera reviews.
In camera reviews, noun groups account for 29.14% of the total lexicology, encompassing sub-nouns that represent physical features, nonphysical features, and judgments The most significant contribution comes from nonphysical features, comprising 14.54%, followed by physical features at 13.22%, while judgments represent the smallest portion at 1.68%.
The nouns describing physical features in camera reviews are used for listing, naming, and describing the physical properties of the camera,
In the lexicology of English camera reviews, sub-nouns represent a significant category, comprising 13.22% of the total vocabulary with 361 words These nouns, which can be easily identified through direct sensory experience, include terms like "camera," "buttons," and "glass."
(1) The EOS M-mount is DOA, and should be replaced with an RF mount [CR1.43]
(2) Because we got a lower Res-sensor here, it's easier on the processor [CR2.38]
(3) When you look through the viewfinder or the back LCD, you get a clear visual indication that the autofocus is keeping up [CR5.26]
The EOS M-mount and RF mount serve as distinct interfaces comprising mechanical and electrical components that connect the camera body to the lens The sensor functions as an electronic panel that captures incoming light, while the processor processes the information received from the sensor Additionally, the viewfinder allows photographers to preview their images, and the back LCD provides essential information to the user.
4.1.1.2 Nouns denoting non-physical features
In camera reviews, nouns that describe non-physical features, such as specifications, software, and functions, play a crucial role These terms account for 14.54% of the total vocabulary used, totaling 397 words, highlighting their significance in the lexicology of camera evaluations.
4.1.1.2.1 Nouns describing specifications and softwares
Nouns that describe non-physical features are essential for detailing the specifications and software of a camera Specifications represent numerical values that indicate the camera's capabilities across various aspects, while software encompasses the camera's setting modes and internal electronic systems Below are examples of nouns that signify these specifications and software components.
(4) That it can only shoot eight frames a second in single focus, and continuous focus you can get five frames a second or three frames per second with tracking priority [CR1.11]
(5) With a flick of a menu setting, you could transform the A7R4 into a
26 megapixel APS-C camera, with a 1.5 times crop factor [CR3.34]
(6) Dual pixel AF was incorporated for both stills and video [CR1.15]
(7) I mean I tried single point, I tried dynamic area, I tried wide area, and I tried autofocus tracking [CR2.51]
The highlighted nouns in examples (4) and (5) indicate specifications, while examples (6) and (7) refer to software In example (4), "frame per second" denotes the camera's capacity to capture a specific number of frames continuously within one second Example (5) presents two camera specifications: "megapixel," which measures camera resolution, and "1.5 times crop factor," representing the ratio when the camera is switched to a different shooting mode The noun in example (6) identifies software, while the one in example (7) describes various types of focusing systems in cameras.
Nouns that describe nonphysical features are utilized to characterize camera functions, focusing on the area the camera targets, its operational capabilities, and the surrounding environment and conditions for photography For instance, examples (8), (9), and (10) illustrate aspects of the photography field and function, while examples (13) and (14) highlight the environmental context and conditions under which photographs are captured.
(8) Dual pixel AF was incorporated for both stills and video [CR1.15]
(9) Well, it's definitely not aimed at sports shooters [CR3.30]
This camera is not intended for beginners or even prosumers; it is designed for serious photographers who are either earning money from their craft or are willing to invest significantly in photography.
(11) And that's not even to mention getting into lowlight; You get this camera to lowlight, the autofocusing is done [CR2.57]
In photography, stills and video illustrate the camera's functions, while sport shooting represents a specialized field that demands the ability to capture high-speed subjects Additionally, beginner and pro-sumer levels indicate the target audience for camera features Lastly, lowlight conditions present challenges for photography due to insufficient lighting.
Nouns that express judgments play a crucial role in conveying emotions and brief evaluations from reviewers to their audience In the context of camera reviews, this category includes the third largest group of nouns in lexicology, comprising 46 terms, which accounts for 1.68% of the total lexicon These judgmental nouns can reflect either positive or negative sentiments, as illustrated in examples (12) and (13).
(12) This camera has such a great viewfinder and great controls, and a very similar and intuitive interface that I just find it a joy to use [CR2.65]
(13) So the downside, with XQD being a single slot is that it is going to be a pricey card format [CR2.34]
In example (12), joy is an emotional expression that the reviewer uses to describe his feeling when he examines and uses the camera In example
(13), downside is a noun of denoting judgment when the reviewer tries to present his opinion on the disadvantage of the camera
Lexical verbs constitute the largest category of words in camera reviews, accounting for 40.75% of the total lexicon These verbs are essential for reviewers to articulate actions and provide insights about the product In total, there are 1,113 lexical verbs identified, which are further classified into three distinct sub-groups, as illustrated in Graph 4.3.
In the analysis of English camera reviews, lexical verbs constitute 40.75% of the lexicology, as illustrated in Graph 4.3 These verbs are primarily utilized to describe the camera's status (20.25%), convey actions (18.86%), and express emotions (1.65%).
SEMANTIC FUNCTIONS OF ENGLISH IN CAMERA REVIEWS
Camera reviews provide essential descriptions along with the reviewers' opinions and recommendations, helping consumers assess whether a camera's features meet their needs The insights, including compliments, frustrations, and suggestions from reviewers, significantly influence the evaluation of the camera To fully understand these roles in camera reviews, it is crucial to consider both the lexical items used and the background context of the review.
A camera review serves multiple functions, including informing, praising, expressing disappointment, suggesting, and predicting These functions enable the reviewer to provide essential information about the product, assisting the audience in making informed purchasing decisions The distribution of these semantic functions in English camera reviews is illustrated in Table 4.2 and Graph 4.6.
Table 4.2: Semantic functions in English camera reviews
No Functions Sub-functions Samples and percentage Total
Table 4.2 and Graph 4.6 illustrate the distribution of semantic functions in English camera reviews The predominant function is informing, comprising 32.83% with 131 out of 399 samples Following closely is the praising function at 30.08% with 120 samples The third function, denoting disappointment, accounts for 17.54% with 70 samples, while the suggesting function represents 9.02% with 36 samples Additionally, other functions collectively make up 10.53% with 42 samples Each function is explored in detail to enhance the understanding of semantic functions in English camera reviews.
Camera reviews primarily serve an informative function, accounting for 32.83% of the 399 samples analyzed, as shown in Table 4.2 and Graph 4.6 This function aims to deliver comprehensive information about cameras, lenses, manufacturers, and occasionally the reviewers' opinions Key aspects of the informing function include describing cameras, analyzing specifications, making comparisons, providing explanations, offering instructions, and conducting evaluations.
Informing is a distinct function that, while it may overlap with other actions like praising, expressing disappointment, and suggesting, is defined by the reviewer's intention The key difference is that informing is devoid of any subjective emotions or evaluations.
The distribution of semantic functions in English camera reviews reflects the reviewer’s positive or negative attitude, aiming to provide neutral information Each feature is examined in detail, accompanied by relevant examples to highlight the differences.
The Canon EOS R features a newly designed 30.3 megapixel sensor, similar to that of the Canon 5D Mark 4 It also boasts a larger mount designed for future compatibility, allowing it to accept Canon's RF lenses.
The example clearly illustrates the function of describing by providing essential information about the camera to the audience Initially, the reviewer indicates that he will present the camera specifications Subsequently, he shares details about the newly designed camera, highlighting its impressive resolution of 30.3 megapixels in comparison to the previous model, the Canon 5D Mark IV This utterance effectively serves an informative purpose, delivering valuable insights to the audience.
If you're comfortable with a crop, the camera can downsample the entire APS-C sensor area to produce sharp 4K video In this mode, you can record at up to 30 frames per second or capture full HD video at an impressive 120 frames per second.
In example (52), the reviewer initially discusses the video recording feature in crop-frame mode The underlined sentence further elaborates on the camera's video recording capabilities by detailing additional specifications available in that mode Thus, the underlined part serves an informative function.
Praising plays a crucial role in camera reviews, as it allows reviewers to convey their positive opinions and compliments about a product Consumers often rely on these favorable reviews to make informed purchasing decisions, highlighting the significance of praising, which constitutes 30.08% of the analyzed samples While praising shares characteristics with the informing function, it uniquely reflects the reviewers' positive attitudes toward the camera This function is typically identified through the use of positive emotional verbs such as "like," "love," and "happy," as well as positive adjectives and adverbs like "good," "well," "high," and "better." Examples of this praising function can be found throughout camera reviews.
The Canon EOS R features a larger DSLR-sized body that enhances its feel, while delivering image quality comparable to the more expensive 5D Mark 4.
The review of the Canon camera highlights a strong positive sentiment, particularly regarding its build quality, as expressed through the use of the verb "love" and the adverb "smartly." While the reviewer does not explicitly praise the image quality of the Canon EOS R, the comparison to the more expensive Canon 5D Mark IV suggests that the Canon R offers comparable quality at a lower price, implicitly affirming its value as a commendable choice.
(54) I love these mechanical dials Look at this, a mechanical ISO ring, so I don't have to look at the screens [CR4.6] I can see what my settings are, in an analogue way
In the review, the reviewer highlights the advantages of the camera's mechanical dials, noting that they enhance visibility and intuitiveness of settings without requiring the electronic display This feature allows photographers to operate the camera more efficiently and effectively.
In camera reviews, the function of denoting disappointment plays a crucial role in conveying negative judgments from reviewers This aspect represents the third significant contribution of camera reviews, highlighting the importance of expressing dissatisfaction.
SUMMARY
This chapter has explored the findings and discussions regarding the linguistic features found in English reviews of the latest high-end cameras Through both qualitative and quantitative analysis, it has thoroughly examined the lexical features and semantic functions present in these reviews, supported by tables, charts, and examples.
The lexicology used in camera descriptions is highly diverse and serves as a crucial tool for conveying the reviewers' messages to the audience Additionally, the context plays a vital role in interpreting and categorizing the semantic functions of the reviews, enabling the audience to grasp the reviewers' true intentions.
In the upcoming chapter, we will systematically summarize the conclusions and logically propose implications to conclude the theories discussed For the latest thesis downloads, please contact us at luanvanfull@gmail.com for master's thesis materials.