Corpus-based function-to-form approaches (Pre-published version)

Abstract

This chapter sets out to explore the options for function-to-form research in the context of corpus pragmatics. Corpus-based function-to-form research approaches are used in pragmatics research to explore speech acts and related phenomena, using the function rather than the form as the starting point. Corpus studies more commonly begin with a form and, in pragmatic studies, work towards the functional analysis of these forms (i.e. form-to-function approach). However, when looking at a particular speech act, it can be challenging to find it in a corpus using form-based searches. It is possible to look at a dataset manually so as to code all instances of the speech act in the corpus, however, there is a threshold of corpus size beyond which this becomes implausible. Other systematic options and solutions have emerged such as using Illocutionary Force Indicating Devices (IFIDs) (e.g. sorry for apologies), typical features (e.g. positive adjectives, such as beautiful, for compliments) and metacommunicative expressions (e.g. using the word compliment to retrieve compliments). The paper will also look at some emerging approaches based on using collocational profiles of IFIDs to identify speech acts in very large corpora.