Comparative method

The comparative method is a set of techniques for research and description of a language by systematically comparing it with another language to identify its specifics against the background of standard features [Кочерган, p.77]. It is used to establish common, identical (isomorphic), and different, specific (allomorphic) features of the compared languages in sound, vocabulary, and grammatical systems using comparison, deepening of knowledge about one of the languages against the background of the other; establishment of characterological features of language families and groups; prediction of language interference; determining the features of the interaction of languages in the process of mastering a second foreign language [Балабан, p.7]. The comparative method establishes a contrast ratio between the compared languages at all linguistic levels – diaphony, dimorphism, diasemia, and dialectics [Алексенко, p.13]. A distinction is made between unilateral and bilateral (multilateral) comparative analysis [Штернеманн, p.153]. The comparative method is more effective in studying related and, especially, closely related languages, as their contrasting features are visible against the background of similar features [Алексенко, p.13].

Sources:

Кочерган, М. П. (2006). Основи зіставного мовознавства. Київ: Видавничий центр "Академія".

Балабан, О.О. (2021). Парадигми та методи дослідження когнітивно-семантичних універсалій. Retrieved from: http://enpuir.npu.edu.ua/bitstream/handle/123456789/35637/Balaban_6-9.pdf?sequence=1

Алексенко, С. Ф. (2020). Конкретно-наукові методи лінгвістичних досліджень. Суми: СумДПУ імені А.С. Макаренка.

Штернеманн, Р. (1989). Новое в зарубежной лингвистике. Введение в контрастивную лингвистику. Вып. ХХV. Контрастивная лингвистика. Москва: Прогресс.