Multidimensional analysis of Czech

Multidimensional analysis (MDA) is a method developed by Douglas Biber ¹⁾ for the empirical research of textual variability. MDA is based on the assumption that textual variability is manifested in the utilization of linguistic features from different levels (from phonology and morphology through lexicon to syntax and pragmatics). When designing a text, the use of one set of features is often conditioned or supported by the use of another, which leads to the assumption that in order to describe variability, it is optimal to group features into dimensions based on how they co-occur in texts. The dimensions created in this way, i.e. based on the detected co-occurrence of linguistic features in texts, represent the basic characteristics along which the texts exhibit variation and on the basis of which individual registers can be defined.

The method for modelling register variability using MDA has become fixed over the years and consists of the following steps:

• preparation of a corpus (see the Koditex corpus),
• selection of features and their operationalization,
• factor analysis,
• interpretation of results.

Based on empirical findings ²⁾, it was established that the number of dimensions for Czech MDA would be 8. Each of the dimensions is characterized by several prominent linguistic features which are assigned either positive or negative values on a scale. For each of the dimensions, an all-encompassing name was chosen which reflects the interpretation of both extreme values.

1. dynamic (+) vs. static (−)
2. spontaneous (+) vs. prepared (–)
3. higher (+) vs. lower (–) degree of cohesion
4. polythematic (+) vs. monothematic (–)
5. higher (+) vs. lower (–) degree of explicit addressability
6. general (+) vs. specific (–)
7. prospective (+) vs. retrospective (–)
8. attitude (+) vs. factuality (–)

Číselný údaj v závorce u rysů odkazuje k loadingu, tj. k míře, s jakou přítomnost daného rysu v textu přispívá k jeho umístění v dimenzi.