Corpus Linguistics as a tool for language teachers

Resumo

A corpus (plural corpora) refers to a large collection of linguistic data which can be used as a starting point of linguistic description or as a means of verifying hypotheses about a language (CRYSTAL, 1991). Currently, corpora are collected for various purposes, including materials for English teaching, such as grammars, books or dictionaries. These materials illustrate how the language is actually used. The use of corpora in the classroom can be an effective tool for language teaching. In this paper, we will present corpora-based activities for vocabulary teaching in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL)^*.

^* This research was carried out as part of Seminários de Pesquisa subject requirements. A preliminary version of this paper was presented at VII Semana da Letras da UFMG.