Corpus Linguistics and English Language Research

Abstract

This article explores the profound impact of corpus linguistics on English language research. Moving beyond traditional introspective and prescriptive approaches, corpus linguistics leverages large, electronically stored collections of authentic texts ("corpora") to provide evidence-based insights into how English is actually used. We delve into the core principles of corpus methodology, showcasing its effectiveness in investigating diverse linguistic phenomena from word meaning and grammar to register variation and language change. The article further highlights the transformative applications of corpus findings in various domains within English language research, including lexicography, pedagogy, translation, and computational linguistics. Finally, we acknowledge the limitations and evolving landscape of corpus linguistics, paving the way for future directions in research and applications. This article serves as a comprehensive introduction to the vital role of corpus linguistics in unlocking the intricacies and dynamism of the English language.