This is an essential guide to using digital resources in the study of English language and linguistics. Assuming no prior experience, it introduces the fundamentals of online corpora and equips readers with the skills needed to search and interpret corpus data. Later chapters focus on specific elements of linguistic analysis, namely vocabulary, grammar, discourse and pronunciation. Examples from five major online corpora illustrate key issues to consider in corpus analysis, while case studies and activities help students get to grips with the wide range of resources that are available and select those that best suit their needs. Perfect for students of corpus linguistics and applied linguistics, this engaging and accessible guide opens the door to an ever-expanding world of online resources. It is also ideal for anyone who is curious about how the English language works and has a desire to explore its many written and spoken forms.

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses on general linguistics, applied linguistics, corpus linguistics, sociolinguistics, dialect variation and change

1. Introducing online corpora2. Interpreting corpus data3. Contextualising corpus texts4. Exploring lexis with corpora5. Exploring grammar with corpora6. Exploring discourse with corpora7. Exploring pronunciation with corpora8. Issues in the use of corpora in teaching and researchAppendix: online corpora.