Corpus linguistics involves the analysis by computer of patterns that would
not ordinarily be evident in large stretches of language. It has been used
as a key methodology in areas such as literature, forensic linguistics,
lexicography and terminology, politics and ideology, translation,
cryptography, genre analysis, technology and language learning and
cognitive modelling. Findings range from challenging our notions of syntax,
to establishing the authorship of Shakespeare's plays (Lowe, Aston 1996).
The approach has been instrumental in questioning dominant linguistic
paradigms and in establishing innovation in the study of language.
Because of the diverse nature of these applications, linguists would
benefit from a forum for sharing and discussing their interpretations. This
seminar aims to provide such a forum, and to continue a dialogue
established at previous seminars at Birmingham and Aston. The present
seminar is specifically aimed at exploring the question of language
variety, and how researchers relate questions of genre or register to the
dynamics of corpus building and corpus management. While contributors are
invited to submit papers on any applied or theoretical aspects of corpus
linguistics, those contributions which shed light on the dynamics of corpus
building or on the study of language varieties (sublanguages or registers)
within corpus linguistics will be particularly welcome. Abstracts - 250
words, by post or e-mail - and cheques should reach the organiser at the
address below by February 1st 1997.
In co-operation with BAAL, Corpus Linguistics (Birmingham University) and
the Institute for the Study of Language and Society (Aston University).
Conference fee GBP15 (including tea, coffee and hot buffet).
Accommodation is available at GBP23 per night (GBP34 en-suite). Bookings
for accommodation should be made as soon as possible because places are
restricted over the Easter vacation.
Contact:
Dr Chris Gledhill
Languages and European Studies
Aston University, B4 7ET
UK
+00 44 121 359 3611 c.j.gledhill@aston.ac.uk