In conducting a detailed analysis of language at the word and sentence level, the most representative type of data that facilitates accurate statistical analysis of various phenomena in language is lexical frequency. The investigation of lexical frequ...
In conducting a detailed analysis of language at the word and sentence level, the most representative type of data that facilitates accurate statistical analysis of various phenomena in language is lexical frequency. The investigation of lexical frequency will be based mainly on the 1955-56 research conducted by the Ministry of Education. This will help shed light on changes in the language that have taken place over the past 45 years. In this paper, previous rankings for lexical frequency in a total of four previous surveys will be presented until the 190th ranking item. Differences in the rankings as determined by the sources cited above and possible reasons for the differences will be discussed in detail.
A cross-comparison of the six (basic four plus additional two) surveys yields the following nine lexical items that rank in the top in all six surveys:
In conclusion, a cross-comparison of the six surveys yields a rather large mismatch among lexical items that rank at the top in all six surveys. One can observe changes in the language that have taken place over the last half century.