Book contents
- Applications of Corpus Linguistics
- The Cambridge Applied Linguistics Series
- Applications of Corpus Linguistics
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Editors and Contributors
- 1 Applying Corpus Linguistics
- 2 ‘Cutting Out the Middleman’
- 3 Investigating User Perceptions of a Corpus-Informed DDL Resource
- 4 Applying a Corpus-Based DDL Intervention in the Private English Language Sector in Ireland
- 5 Using Corpus Linguistics in Formulaic Language Learning
- 6 Applying Corpus Research Indirectly to Language Teaching Materials and Assessment Development
- 7 Informing Teaching Practice through Corpus Research
- 8 Building a Longitudinal Learner Corpus for Swiss German Sign Language
- 9 Using CADS Research to Critique Representations of Muslims in the UK Press
- 10 Examining the Uptake of Media Guidelines
- 11 Challenging Online Misogyny
- 12 Using Corpus-Assisted Approaches to Explore UK Police Crisis Negotiation
- 13 Afterword
- Index
- References
5 - Using Corpus Linguistics in Formulaic Language Learning
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 December 2025
By
Book contents
- Applications of Corpus Linguistics
- The Cambridge Applied Linguistics Series
- Applications of Corpus Linguistics
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Editors and Contributors
- 1 Applying Corpus Linguistics
- 2 ‘Cutting Out the Middleman’
- 3 Investigating User Perceptions of a Corpus-Informed DDL Resource
- 4 Applying a Corpus-Based DDL Intervention in the Private English Language Sector in Ireland
- 5 Using Corpus Linguistics in Formulaic Language Learning
- 6 Applying Corpus Research Indirectly to Language Teaching Materials and Assessment Development
- 7 Informing Teaching Practice through Corpus Research
- 8 Building a Longitudinal Learner Corpus for Swiss German Sign Language
- 9 Using CADS Research to Critique Representations of Muslims in the UK Press
- 10 Examining the Uptake of Media Guidelines
- 11 Challenging Online Misogyny
- 12 Using Corpus-Assisted Approaches to Explore UK Police Crisis Negotiation
- 13 Afterword
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter leverages the IdiomsTube project to illustrate how corpus linguistics enhances research and tool development for formulaic language acquisition. Formulaic language, encompassing idioms, proverbs, and sayings, is common in everyday communication. However, English as a foreign language (EFL) learners often struggle with these conventionalised expressions due to limited exposure to authentic spoken contexts. To address this challenge, the IdiomsTube project conducted corpus studies to uncover patterns in formulaic language use, including prosodic features and distribution across internet television genres. Corpus linguistic methods have also enabled the development of the IdiomsTube app, a specialised tool for computer-assisted formulaic language learning. Informed by corpus-derived frequency data and innovative concordancer design, the app uniquely prioritises user experience. Unlike conventional concordancers, the IdiomsTube app dynamically compiles a corpus from captions retrieved in real-time from YouTube videos based on the user’s search word, allowing users to read concordance lines from current, trending videos. This design makes concordancing engaging and motivating for learners. This chapter demonstrates how modernising concordancer designs with a focus on learner accessibility and real-time content can significantly advance formulaic language acquisition.
Keywords
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- Applications of Corpus LinguisticsEstablished and Emergent Contexts, pp. 83 - 104Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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