Designing and Evaluating Language Corpora: A Practical Framework for Corpus Representativeness

This pioneering book provides a conceptual and methodological framework for corpus design and representativeness, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It considers domain and distribution considerations to optimize corpus suitability for research agendas and ensure adequate representation of language use. Written by experts, it offers practical skills and examples for designing and evaluating corpora.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Corpora play a pivotal role in linguistic research, yet there has been no universal agreement on how to conceptualize corpus representativeness and gather corpus samples. This groundbreaking book fills this gap by presenting a conceptual and methodological framework for corpus design and representativeness. Written by esteemed experts in the field, it demonstrates how corpora can be meticulously crafted and constructed to align with specific research objectives while also providing an accurate representation of the language usage under investigation. It delves into critical considerations such as determining the appropriate types of texts to include in the corpus and determining the optimal number of texts required. The authors elucidate and exemplify every aspect of this corpus representativeness framework in a step-by-step manner, utilizing examples and activities to assist readers in developing practical skills in corpus design and evaluation.

The significance of corpora in linguistic research cannot be overstated, as they provide a wealth of linguistic data for analysis and interpretation. By designing and constructing corpora that are both optimally suited to specific research agendas and adequately representative of the language use in question, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of language patterns, structures, and usage. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike, offering a comprehensive and practical guide to corpus design and representativeness.

In conclusion, this pioneering book is a game-changer in the field of linguistic research, providing a comprehensive and practical framework for corpus design and representativeness. Written by experts in the field, it offers valuable insights and techniques for constructing corpora that are both effective and representative of the language under investigation. By leveraging the power of corpora, researchers can unlock new knowledge and advance the field of linguistics to new heights.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316605882