De la notion de corpus dans les études contrastives en langues : choix, outils et exploitation

Abstract

The Notion of Corpus in Contrastive Language Studies: Choices, tools and exploitation

Since past decades, Contrastive Linguistics is in search of ways for its development. Such a situation results from the fact that the scientific context nowadays is overwhelmed with the advent of new disciplines; is highly saturated by needs for interdisciplinarity; and it imposes the search of paths which have to serve as guide for forthcoming studies. As far as Contrastive Linguistics is concerned, the ways leading to its development are methodological, theoretical, and epistemological in nature. Regarding this wide scope, this study mainly focusses on the methodological aspect of the discipline. Clearly, this paper examines the notion of “Corpus” within the field of Linguistics in general and Contrastive Linguistics in particular. As a new field of study, Contrastive Linguistics needs to be grounded on solid methodological foundations as well. First of all, it delves into addressing issues of methodological tools used while contrasting languages; then, it examines the issue of corpus selection for a specific study; and finally, it proposes ways for selecting and treating data which are often overlooked by professionals and students alike. To undertake the study hereof, it resorted to the Taxonomy approach in Natural Sciences elaborated by Carl Von Linné, Candole, Charles Darwin, Willi Hennig. The use of this methodological approach purposes at providing clear definitions of terms surrounding the notion of “Corpus”; at describing the various types of corpora, at underscoring their internal organisation; and at casting light on the useful tools for the constitution of a special kind of corpus relevant for studies in Contrastive Linguistics.The tasks mentioned earlier will provide a good grasp of how the notion of “corpus” is apprehended within the framework of contrastive analysis. This work shall equally equip young scholars looking forward to specialising in this highly technical scientific niche with abilities to better find markers in a methodology of proper and full selection, constitution and exploitation of a corpus in contrastive linguistics.