How to Define Corpus Linguistics
Abstract
This chapter offers the main defining elements of corpus linguistics. It introduces the difference between empirical and rationalist methodologies in linguistics, the important role of computer science for corpus linguistics, the difference between quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as the differences between corpus linguistics and experimental linguistics. Corpus linguistics observes and analyzes quantitative language samples gathered in a computerized format. American linguist Noam Chomsky defended a strictly rationalist methodological approach to linguistics, and fiercely opposed any use of external data. The chapter briefly reviews objections made by Chomsky against the use of external data in linguistics. Corpus linguistics and experimental linguistics differ in one very important point. On the one hand, corpus linguistics focuses on data observation as found in collections of texts, recordings, etc. On the other hand, experimental linguistics points to the manipulation of one or more variables in order to study their effect on other variables.
Related Papers
- → Morphology in micro linguistics and macro linguistics(2021)17 cited
- Summarization on the Subject Development of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics in 2006(2008)
- Five Stages, Two Lines and Three Breakthroughs: The General Trend in Studies of Linguistics(2004)
- Retrospection of the History of Linguistics and Forecasting of Its Development(2005)
- → A Descriptive Review on Applied Linguistics and Educational Linguistics(2015)