What is Corpus Linguistics? And why are some language teachers so excited about it? What applications can you envision for your current or future classroom?
Corpus Linguistics is a philosphy for language teaching. It is a rejection of some of the previous ways grammar has been taught and a new approach to teaching language. The ideas are based on teaching how the language is used, rather than simply how it had been taught previously. It is a radical approach to teaching, so controversial.
For teaching English, among other languages, allowing for dialects means a lot. For one, allowing variety in the ways grammar is perceived and taught as is Corpus Linguistics as opposed to traditional ways means there is no set of correct grammar, and instead you allow for a variety of grammars. This in turn allows for a wider conversation about, and how language is used and taught. Although the ideas look to be earth shattering, educators are excited about this new pedagogy.
CALL is certainly ready to adapt to Corpus Linguistic teaching. A classroom taught through the intergration of both Corpus Linguistic and CALL can create great things. For TESL classes, it means specialized assesment. Imagine test and assesment that gain accurate insights and answers to what has is becoming a more and more specific learner. It changes the game, teachers will have access to useful evaluations, and quicker than ever. Learners can have hand-tailored lessons through the integration of these two ideas and everyone wins.
Hi Chris! Your perspective of corpus linguistics is interesting. My view is more tempered. I do see value in corpora, but I don’t see it as a rejection of previous teaching grammar methods. Rather, I see it as an enhancement to such, an additive approach if you will. I agree with you it is a radical approach to teaching , but only if the teacher relies on that solely to teach grammar—which I can’t see happening. As with all languages, English has a standard grammar and allows for dialects that give it variety and color. The register-specific descriptions, lexicogrammatical connections, and conditions of use are three essential tenets to language Conrad discusses that corpus linguistics targets. This makes sense as there are too many situations where standard grammar is confusing. Corpora analysis allows for a way to potentially clarify such. I didn’t really pick up in either article excitement from educators. Instead both were informative. I think corpora has its strength in analysis, versus testing and assessments. It’s a method for linguisticians, teachers, etc. to analysis spoken speech for patterns in our ever evolving use of language. Again, interesting reading of your comments.
ReplyDeleteI have conversations regarding CALL with my K to 12 ESL colleagues and most are not excited about this new pedagogy. Some complain that technology is not available on their campus, while others complain that it is yet “another thing to integrate” into an already full curriculum. However, one ESL teacher was enthusiastic about CALL and Corpus Linguistics. I shared the reading with her and we had a lively discussion. Her main concern was her lack of knowledge and experience with CALL. Faculty in the public school system is overworked and stressed with data driven expectations from the principal, the district and the state. It can be difficult for educators to look past the obstacles and examine the advantages. I personally think it will take a great deal of in-service workshops to convince some of the educators to try out the new pedagogy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback Alison and Patti :)
ReplyDeleteChris, you have a lively discussion going here. I see the value of corpora research and think it can be a helpful tool for teachers. It makes sense to me that if empirical research shows that there may be a better way to approach teaching certain forms that this information would trickle down to the classroom level. However, I do understand Patti's comment about educators complaining that it might be just "another thing to integrate" into their curricula. It is a bit overwhelming to keep up with evolving technologies in CALL, corpora research and SLA developments. It is important though for teachers to know which resources are at their disposal so that they can choose what best suits their needs/goals and is manageable given their work parameters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Diana :) I tend to hype things up on the blog. However, I really do feel Corpus Linguistics can be a big step to improving language teaching. I have heard language described as a "moving target", we should expect to constantly adjust our delivery as educators if we want to do the best job for the student. Of course schools will have to figure out how to give teachers more time for things like training, cutting down school days down to four a week might help. The article points out that teachers in training should be taught about it from here on out. I sure wish somebody would have got to my 6th grade Language Arts teacher, she was too strict about grammar!!!
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