CORPUS LINGUISTICS AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING LANGUAGE TEACHING STRATEGIES

Abstract

Corpus Linguistics (CL) has emerged as a powerful approach in reshaping language-teaching practices by offering authentic data drawn from real-world language use. Within the Pakistani context, this study reviews the pedagogical applications of CL in enhancing vocabulary development, grammatical proficiency, and pragmatic awareness through data-driven learning (DDL). Evidence shows that resources such as AntConc, COCA, and learner corpora assist teachers and students in examining lexical patterns, collocations, and discourse structures in meaningful contexts, thereby promoting both linguistic competence and learner independence. Integrating corpus-based instruction addresses the limitations of traditional textbook-centered teaching by aligning more closely with Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and constructivist perspectives on learning. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including limited teacher expertise, insufficient access to corpus tools, and the technical demands of the approach. Addressing these issues requires professional training, the design of simplified software, and institutional commitment to support classroom integration. The review underscores the importance of further investigation into the long-term outcomes of CL-oriented pedagogy in Pakistani classrooms and its adaptability.