Verb semantic cohesion in L2 production: a semantic network analysis of written and spoken modalities by Korean EFL learners

Abstract Based on usage-based constructionist approaches, this study investigates verb cohesion in second language (L2) production through a semantic network analysis of written and spoken modalities. Focusing on four argument structure constructions of varying complexities, we examine the extent of semantic cohesion of verbs within these constructions across modalities. The semantic network analysis revealed distinct patterns specific to both modality and construction type. For motion constructions, written samples exhibited significantly stronger semantic cohesion in both intransitive and caused-motion constructions. In passive constructions, written production showed stronger semantic cohesion, with denser and more interconnected verb networks. Conversely, transitive constructions displayed stronger semantic cohesion in spoken production, indicating denser semantic networks compared to written production. These findings underscore the modality effect on learners’ verb usage and provide partial support for the interaction between modality and constructional complexity. We discuss these findings in the framework of usage-based constructional learning and cognitive construction grammar.