The structure of corpora in SLA research
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Abstract
The field of Second Language Acquisition currently uses L2 error corpora to supplement its primary methodology – grammatical judgment and production tests – for investigating specific hypotheses about the development of interlanguages. This paper argues that large L2 corpora structured according to specific criteria would allow researchers to investigate with greater precision the contribution of the native language in the evolution of interlanguages as well as concepts such as overgeneralisation and end-state grammars. Furthermore, hypotheses posed about interlanguage development after native-like attainment, such as so-called U-shaped development, could be verified. The considerations for building L2 corpora of the future are illustrated by considering the validity and reliability of a multi-level corpora of errors produced by Spanish and Korean speakers learning English.