Collocations, Corpora and Language Learning

Description

This Element provides a systematic overview and synthesis of corpus-based research into collocations focusing on the learning and use of collocations by second language (L2) users. Underlining the importance of collocation as a key notion within the field of corpus linguistics, the text offers a state-of-the-art account of the main findings related to the applications of corpora and corpus-based measures for defining, identifying and analysing collocations as related to second language acquisition. Emphasising the quality of L2 collocation research, the Element illustrates key methodological issues to be considered when conducting this type of corpus analysis. It also discusses examples of pertinent research questions and points to representative studies treated as models of good practice. Aiming at researchers both new and experienced, the Element also points to avenues for future work and shows the relevance of corpus-based analysis for improving the process of learning and teaching of L2 collocations. Cover Title page Copyright page Collocations, Corpora and Language Learning Contents 1 Introduction 2 How Are Collocations Defined? 2.1 Collocations and Formulaic Language 2.2 Collocations as a Central Concept, Idiom Principle and Terminological Challenges 2.3 Defining Collocations as a Graded Phenomenon 2.4 Main Traditions in Collocation Research 2.4.1 Phraseology-Based Definitions 2.4.2 Frequency-Based Definitions 2.4.3 Hybrid Definitions 2.4.4 Relationship between Definitions and Identification of Collocations 2.5 Textual versus Psycholinguistic Reality of Collocations 3 Types of Analysis, Measures and Dimensions in Corpus-Based Collocation Research 3.1 Types of Corpus Analysis 3.2 Corpus-Derived Measures of Collocations 3.2.1 T-Score and Frequency of Collocations 3.2.2 Mutual Information (MI) and Exclusivity of Collocations 3.2.3 Delta P, Directionality and Asymmetry of Collocations 3.2.4 Log Dice, Dispersion and Other Corpus-Based Measures 3.3 Synergy of Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Collocation Research 4 Corpus-Based Research into Learning and Teaching L2 Collocations 4.1 Corpora, Collocations and Usage-Based Approaches to Language Learning 4.2 Learner Corpora, Interlanguage and SLA 4.2.1 Learner-Corpus Research and Collocations as a Token of L2 Proficiency 4.2.2 Aspects of L2 Collocational Learning 4.2.3 Contrastive Interlanguage Analysis 4.2.4 Collocations and the Assessment of L2 Lexical Richness and Sophistication 4.3 Applied Corpus Linguistics: Corpora for Teaching L2 Collocations 4.3.1 Indirect Impact of Corpora on Teaching L2 Collocations 4.3.2 Corpus-Based Lists of Collocations 4.3.3 Corpus- and Technology-Enhanced L2 Teaching Resources 4.3.4 Data-Driven Learning and Collocations 5 Conclusion and Avenues for Future Research 5.1 Corpus Revolution and Developments in Collocation Research 5.2 Future Avenues for Collocation Research 5.3 Final Remarks References