Corpus linguistics is the study of language through the use of computer assisted techniques to analyze large databases of naturally occurring language. Some language teachers are excited about corpus linguistics because it has been applied to the development of instructional materials, classroom instruction, and language teacher training. Corpus linguistics also affects grammar pedagogy. Corpus linguistics makes it possible for a teacher to describe the factors associated with the appropriate use of alternative structures when more than one structure is grammatically acceptable. Therefore, grammar teaching will become more focused on conditions of grammar use.
I have used the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) to analyze a student’s language sample for Specific Language Impairment (SLI). The student provided a retell of a story or a conversation sample which was recorded and transcribed. The language sample was entered into the SALT Program and compared to age-matched peers. The production summary report provided information on mean length of utterance in words or morphemes, number of word roots, mazing, and other characteristics of the student’s language sample. All the information was reviewed by two clinicians and a determination was made regarding the need for intervention. I can envision using other computer assisted techniques to analyze language samples for SLI or other communication disorders.
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Hi Patti, the SALT research looks really fascinating. During the comparison of age-matched peers was this a comparison of ESL learners to native speakers? That sounds really cool. I bet the students enjoyed seeing how they do compared to native speakers.
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