ABSTRACT
‘An open mind is the best guide in linguistics, as in research in general and indeed in life itself’ (Johansson, 1991: 6). Thus, Stieg Johansson concludes his introduction to the use of computer corpora in linguistic research. He then proceeds warning against the limitations of any individual approach to the study of language and calling for awareness of ‘the limits of our approach’ respect for ‘other lines of investigation’. In this chapter I will discuss the characteristics as well as consider some limitations of corpus-assisted approaches and will strive to follow Johansson’s advice in a constant effort towards accountability, reflexivity and awareness.
