Open sessions

Lancaster Summer Schools in Corpus linguistics 2025: Open sessions

As part of the Lancaster Summer Schools in Corpus Linguistics 2025, we are offering sessions which are open to anybody who is interested in corpus-based research. The open sessions include:

  • A series of lectures on different topics and applications of corpus linguistics
  • A launch of the new version of #LancsBox X v.5.5

The sessions will be delivered through MS Teams, an online platform used to deliver lectures and practical sessions. You can find the timetable for the sessions as well as links through which you can join the sessions below. All times shown on the timetable below are in UK time (BST).

Prof Vaclav Brezina: Coming out of the pandemic: Statistical lessons for corpus linguistics (lecture) (Monday 16th June, 1-2pm)

LINK TO THE SESSION

The lecture offers an engaging introduction to key techniques in corpus linguistics—focusing on frequency and concordance. From Alexander Cruden’s early concordances to microfiches with early corpora such as LOB and on to cutting-edge tools like #LancsBox X, this session traces the evolution of how we study language in context. Learn how to search corpora, calculate relative frequencies and interpret concordance lines—including phenomena like semantic prosody. The lecture also looks ahead to the impact of AI and large language models, exploring the vital role corpus linguistics plays in understanding language and society today.

Prof Vaclav Brezina: Building your own corpus (Tuesday, 10.30-11.30am UK time)

LINK TO THE SESSION

 

Prof Vaclav Brezina: Introduction to corpus statistics (Tuesday, 1.30-2.30pm UK time)

LINK TO THE SESSION

 

Prof Luke Harding : Validity, AI and Language testing (lecture) (Tuesday 17th June, 3-4pm)  

LINK TO THE SESSION

Join us on Tuesday (17 June) for a session on validity, AI and language testing—focusing on the role of corpus linguistics in language test validation.

Validity is a key consideration in language test development. While language testing has well-established conceptual frameworks and procedures for validation, the increased use of AI in aspects of language test development, administration and scoring raises a number of new issues for which validity evidence must be sought. This session begins with an overview of current applications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in language testing, before describing validity considerations in the use of AI. The question will then be posed: how can corpus linguistics help? A case study of a corpus-based method for validation will be presented: evaluating chatbot authenticity in simulations of spoken interaction. Throughout the session, participants will be invited to interact and discuss issues raised.

 

Prof Vaclav Brezina : Statistics and data visualisation (Wednesday, 18 June, 10.30-11.30 am UK time)

LINK TO THE SESSION

 

Prof Vaclav Brezina : Analysing and visualising collocations (Thursday, 19 June, 10.30-11.30am UK time)

LINK TO THE SESSION

 

Official Launch of #LancsBox X v.5.5 – an innovative software tool (Thursday, 19 June, 12.35 – 12.50pm UK time)

LINK TO THE SESSION