ADVANTAGES OF A CORPUS-BASED APPROACH IN DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Abstract
The integration of corpus linguistics methodologies with the theoretical and interpretative aims of discourse analysis has given rise to a powerful hybrid field: corpus-based discourse analysis (CBDA). This article explores the significant advantages of this synergistic approach, arguing that it addresses key limitations of traditional, purely qualitative discourse analysis. By leveraging large, machine-readable collections of texts, CBDA enhances the objectivity, scope, and replicability of discourse studies. Key benefits discussed include the mitigation of researcher bias through empirical validation, the ability to identify subtle yet pervasive linguistic patterns that escape manual observation, and the scalability of analysis to handle large datasets, thereby enabling more robust generalizations. Furthermore, CBDA facilitates methodological triangulation, strengthening the validity of findings by combining quantitative trends with qualitative interpretation. While acknowledging inherent challenges, this article contends that the corpus-based approach provides an indispensable toolkit for producing a more rigorous, evidence-based, and comprehensive understanding of discourse across various genres and contexts, from political rhetoric to computer-mediated communication.
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