A Corpus-Based Approach to Studies in Legal Phraseology: An Overview

Abstract

The language of the law as it is called “legalese” has very distinctive lexical and structural patterns which in many ways different from the “traditional forms of language”. Its conservatism is linked directly to the need for unambiguous language that has already been tried and tested in the courts. By retaining to traditional lexis and structure lawyers can be confident that the language of the law is consistent and precise. This study aims to give some insights on apparent lexico-grammatical features characterised legal phraseology. The present study adopts a corpus-based approach to investigate those distinctive features of legal phraseology such as the uses binomial words, colligation of prepositions, prefabricated word combinations directly prescribed by law, and their semantic functions. This overview compiles data from the books, and empirical studies as well as theoretical and conceptual works conducted in the premises of legal phraseology. Some implications for English for specific purposes are given.