Comparing concordances of language patterns and words by ESL intermediate learners: a preliminary experiment with two mobile concordancers

Abstract

As a corpus-assisted method for language pedagogy, DDL (data-driven learning) may have the potential to enhance language exposure and promote active learner engagement. Concordancing, or KWIC (Key Words in Context), has been the traditional method used in DDL to retrieve numerous language examples, while the method has limitations with overreliance on individual words to search. This paper aims to propose and promote concordancing alternatively based on grammar patterns, a multi-word concept in corpus linguistics. The conceptualised method is named as PIC (Patterns in Context), an extended form of KWIC. An empirical study was conducted to investigate whether the PIC method has any advantages over the traditional KWIC method, using two custom-built Android apps. The research involved 18 pre-university intermediate learners (and six pilot study participants), who used the apps in a self-directed way for two weeks. Then the assessment of the two apps and methods was conducted based on data from automatic logs and responses from questionnaires and interviews. The results suggest that, compared to KWIC, PIC could be slightly advantageous in efficiently helping learners find the target language use, while this approach seems not strong in user engagement and perceived effectiveness. The implications for DDL are discussed, and further investigation is also planned.