Keywords
corpus linguistics, corpus-based translation science, experimental linguistics, language documentation, language study, linguistic data, linguistic analysis, empirical methods
Position of the course
This course provides students with a solid foundation in empirical linguistic research methods, focusing on both corpus linguistics and introductory experimental approaches. It plays a central role in the methodological training within the Linguistics track of the Master in Linguistics & Literature, and is also embedded in the MA in African Studies and the Advanced Master in Linguistics: Natural Language Processing. The examples are typically adapted to students’ language profiles, so the course does not focus on any specific language or domain.
Students are encouraged to connect the techniques introduced in this course to their own linguistic interests and academic backgrounds. The course supports the development of skills needed for independent MA-level research.
Contents
The course is organised into three modules:
1. Corpus linguistics – methods and applications
Introduction to corpus design, annotation, and linguistic analysis using tools such as WordSmith Tools, the Sketch Engine and R. Students learn about collocates, plots, patterns, clusters, timelines, keyword analysis, as well as exploratory statistics and graphical representations, applied to diverse research topics (e.g. lexicon, syntax, variation, discourse).
2. Case studies and practical training
Students apply corpus methods to datasets relevant to their own interests or programme context (e.g. African languages, translation science, sociolinguistics, language technology). This includes guided analysis and reflection on methodological choices.
3. Experimental methods
Introduction to basic experimental paradigms in linguistics, such as acceptability judgements, priming, and reaction time studies. Includes discussion of ethical considerations, data interpretation, and relevance for different linguistic subfields.