A Consideration of Corpus Use in English Teaching and Learning in Japan

要旨

The aim of this paper is to examine the use of a learner corpus and a corpus of native speakers in foreign or second language (L2) teaching and learning in Japan. It is revealed that learner corpora can function as a reference to identify and clarify difficult materials for a particular learner group, which is significant step for better language learning (Meunier, 2002, p. 125; Nesselhauf, 2004, p. 125-126). In this paper, two corpora are employed in language learning; the Japanese English as a Foreign Language Learner Corpus (JEFLL corpus) and the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA). These corpora represent the language produced by native speakers and non-native speakers with a particular language background, respectively American first language (L1) speakers of English and Japanese learners of English. It is arguable that L2 teaching and learning with these corpora will allow learners to compare language patterns between native and non-native speakers of English. This paper proposes and discusses possible activities using the corpora. These concrete examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the difficulties faced by Japanese learners of English in classroom practice; and additionally, demonstrate the efficacy of applying corpora to scaffold learning and pedagogic practice.

主題