Abstract
The integration of corpus linguistics (CL) into discourse studies (DS) has led to the emergence of corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS), a methodology that not only enhances the credibility of research outcomes, but also serves to alleviate the possible hazard of researchers’ ‘cherry-picking’ atypical data or linguistic features to bolster their preconceived arguments. In the present era, as social media platforms continue to grow and virtual communities expand, DS researchers are consistently confronted with the task of managing a substantial amount of discourse. This situation underscores the significance of CADS. For individuals with an interest in CADS, Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies serves as a valuable resource for guidance and support.
Chapters 1 and 2 function as the introduction to CADS. In addition to discussing the origin, goals, and implications of CADS, the authors contend that CADS cannot be regarded as a mere amalgamation of two research views, as both CL and DS share a fundamental emphasis on language patterns as the underlying basis of their respective methodologies. Therefore, the integration of CADS combines the principles of CL and DS, leading to a collaborative outcome that surpasses the individual contributions of each component. Hence, the authors propose an analytical methodology that entails alternating between the quantitative and qualitative aspects of CADS. In other words, they argue against solely adhering to the conventional sequence of corpus counting preceding discourse analysis, or vice versa, when designing a research study. Research designs have the potential to integrate both CL and DS in various ways, thereby adopting a more dynamic approach to acquire more profound understandings of the complex relationship between language and society.
Moving from theory and fundamentals to practice, Chapter 3 outlines corpus construction. Chapter 4 introduces four key CL tools: frequency analysis, concordance analysis, collocation analysis, and keyword analysis. In these two chapters, the authors emphasize the fact that saturation effects do not apply to CADS, as repeated data can demonstrate the cumulative influence of language selection and usage patterns. Through a mini-case study, Chapter 5 demonstrates the applicability of corpus tools in DS. Based on the corpus judgments rendered by the UK Supreme Court (UKSC), with the majority judgments (MAJ) and dissenting judgments (DISS) as subcorpora, the authors begin with the frequency of the word ‘disagree’ and then incorporate other CL tools one at a time, constructing a fairly exhaustive catalogue of the politeness markers used in the legal genre. The mini-case adheres to the oscillating method described in chapters 1 and 2, interweaving quantitative and qualitative methods to demonstrate how ‘one thing leads to another’ – a common but effective technique that has been tried and tested in numerous CADS projects.
After introducing the fundamental operation of CADS, the authors address the remaining two chapters to neophyte researchers. In Chapter 6, potential CADS pitfalls for researchers are discussed. In conclusion, some researchers collect unnecessary large corpora and prioritize corpus statistical analysis over in-depth discourse analysis because they lack defined research objectives. As ‘The data does not speak; only researchers do’ (p. 49), the authors urge researchers to delve deeper into comprehending interactants’ negotiation or the evolution of social interaction based on corpus data, rather than relying excessively on data. In Chapter 7, the authors discuss the ‘empirical mess’ and ‘design-related mess’ that may arise in CADS due to its mixed-methods nature. Faced with uncertainty, the authors emphasize the need to become ‘a methodological “handyperson” capable of adaptation and improvisation’ (Sanscartier, 2020: 50). Instead of being frustrated by the inconsistencies or deviations of corpus data and discourse analysis, it is important to deal with the messes proactively and purposefully, to attribute them, and to gain insight from them.
The book possesses several outstanding merits. Firstly, the authors manage to condense the essential knowledge of CADS into a concise format of only 78 pages. This achievement allows readers to efficiently and effectively grasp the fundamental concepts and methodology of CADS. Secondly, the authors employ a consistent theme throughout the book by utilizing the word ‘critique’. This word serves as a reminder for readers to adopt a dialectical view of the information presented in all chapters. As the authors mentioned at the beginning of Chapter 1, the book tends to ‘encourage researchers to critically reflect not only on the method but also on their biases and interpretations’ (p. 8). Thirdly, this book does not seek to provide step-by-step instructions for conducting specific research; rather, it devotes a great deal of pages to discussing the understanding of methodology. This exhaustive knowledge serves as a guiding light for newcomers to CADS and is also useful for researchers in other fields, particularly for linguistics with quantitative approaches. Lastly, the language employed in the book strikes a balance between scholarly rigor and accessibility. It avoids excessive complexity and instead conveys the scholarly knowledge of CADS using simple and vivid language, making the content more approachable to a broader range of readers.
While the book is succinct as an ‘element’, it can be seen as a shortcoming when viewed as a handbook. It does not delve into every aspect of methods, tools, or techniques, leaving some detailed aspects of the CADS field relatively unexplored. Furthermore, the book does not provide detailed explanations of basic concepts in CL, which may pose difficulties for CADS beginners with limited knowledge of corpus. However, these gaps and unexplained areas can also be viewed as fertile ground for innovation. They offer opportunities for active readers to integrate relevant concepts into their own research frameworks, stimulating inspiration at a detailed level. Exploring these nooks and crannies may encourage readers to think critically and independently, fostering creative approaches and perspectives.