[Corpora-List] Corpus vs Intuition

[nina at scils.rutgers.edu]

James Pustejovsky and Anna Rumshisky have recently published an article 
advocating an approach that uses both intuition *and* corpus data to 
develop and test linguistic theory.

Pustejovsky, J., & Rumshisky, A. (2008). Between Chaos and Structure: 
Interpreting Lexical Data Through a Theoretical Lens. Int J 
Lexicography, 21(3), 337-355. doi: 10.1093/ijl/ecn023.
Abstract: In this paper, we explore the inherent tension between corpus 
data and linguistic theory that aims to model it, with particular 
reference to the dynamic and variable nature of the lexicon. We explore 
the process through which modeling of the data is accomplished, 
presenting itself as a sequence of conflicting stages of discovery. 
First-stage data analysis informs the model, whereas the seeming chaos 
of organic data inevitably violates our theoretical assumptions. But in 
the end, it is restrictions apparent in the data that call for 
postulating structure within a revised theoretical model. We show the 
complete cycle using two case studies and discuss the implications.



Mai Zaki wrote:
> Dear colleagues,
>  
> My question may be a bit basic but I would appreciate your feedback. 
> My own research is corpus-based and I am working in the field of lexical semantics/pragmatics where the majority of the literature is based on made-up examples and testing of native speakers' intuitions. So, I still get stuck in my discussions with others trying to convince them that corpus work and real life examples add a different angle to any research. The usual objections are that it's not about numbers and percentages, and that patterns of use are questionable because of the issue of how representative they are. 
> I want to include in my own work a part about the advantages of corpus-based work as opposed to arm-chair linguistics, and I would appreciate if you could guide me to any references on this topic as well as your own ideas. 
>  
> Thank you. 
>  
> Mai Zaki
> Middlesex University
> 
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