Exploring Corpus Linguistics by Cheng, Winnie;

Short description:

This textbook adopts a truly applied linguistics perspective to engage readers in the discovery, exploration and solution of genuine and authentic linguistic problems in a range of communicative contexts using corpus evidence.

Long description:

Routledge Introductions to Applied Linguistics consists of introductory level textbooks covering the core topics in Applied Linguistics, designed for those entering postgraduate studies and language professionals returning to academic study. The books take an innovative "practice to theory" approach, with a ‘back to front’ structure which takes the reader from real life problems and issues in the field, then enters into a discussion of intervention and how to engage with these concerns. The final section concludes by tying the practical issues to theoretical foundations. Additional features include tasks with commentaries, a glossary of key terms, and an annotated further reading section.

Corpus linguistics is a key area of applied linguistics and one of the most rapidly developing. Winnie Cheng’s practical approach guides readers in acquiring the relevant knowledge and theories to enable the analysis, explanation and interpretation of language using corpus methods.

Throughout the book practical classroom examples, concordance based analyses and tasks such as designing and conducting mini-projects are used to connect and explain the conceptual and practical aspects of corpus linguistics.

Exploring Corpus Linguistics is an essential textbook for post-graduate/graduate students new to the field and for advanced undergraduates studying English Language and Applied Linguistics.

‘Exploring Corpus Linguistics is a useful practical introduction to central corpus linguistics concepts and applications, packed with summaries of intriguing case studies. I recommend the book to students of Applied Linguistics who, no doubt, will appreciate its hands-on style, numerous examples, and ideas for things to explore about language in use in a range of different contexts.’

Ute Römer, Georgia State University, USA

‘This volume provides an up-to-date introduction to aspects of corpus linguistics which are important to both learners and teachers of English. It demonstrates how corpus-linguistic methods can be fruitfully used to address problems and issues in the major fields of linguistics and applied linguistics.’

Karin Aijmer, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

‘Exploring Corpus Linguistics is a new introduction to corpus linguistics. It provides a clear, systematic approach, breaking fresh ground through the use of guided, practical ‘tasks’ which will make the book of particular interest for teachers and students alike.’

Graeme Kennedy, Emeritus Professor, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Table of Contents:

Section A Problems and Practices. 1. Introduction. 2. Linguistic Inquiries. 3. Situated Linguistic Inquiries. Section B Interventions. 4. Introduction to Corpus Linguistics. 5. Corpus Search and Analysis Methods. 6. Data-driven and Corpus-driven Language Learning. 7. Extended Units of Meaning. Section C Theory. 8. Corpus-based Understandings of Language and Text. 9. Corpus Approaches to Language and Text. 10. Summary and Conclusions.