Corpora in Language Learning Teaching and Testing: Limits and New Frontiers

This article examines the impact of Corpus Linguistics on language learning, teaching and testing, focusing on the role played by Information and Communication Technology. One area of computer innovation is linked to Corpus Linguistic, a methodology that enables, among other things, the systematic analysis of authentic language production, both written and spoken. With the use of Computer Technology, texts can be sampled by apposite criteria and collected to form a corpus of a specific size annnd profile for the purpose of linguistic research and analysis. Here we analize the impact and opportunities of the integration of corpora in learning and teaching settings and we look at the use of native, learner, comparable and parallel corpora in language learning, Moreover, we look at potential future application for 21st century students.