Research Methods in Linguistics

Research Methods in Linguistics

by Lia Litosseliti

In-depth introduction to the key issues, principles, and contributions of core methods in linguistic research an essential book for research students and researchers in linguistics.

Genres: Linguistics, Research, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[/d. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't consider this an in-depth introduction to Linguistic Research Methods. At best, the different chapters give a concise, but superficial overview over the methods. This is even made explicit by the different authors when they write that they aim at discussion various considerations rather than discussing the method in depth.

I was surprised to find a noticable difference in how the qualitative and quantitative methods were being represented. While the quantitative methods do come with some considerations of limitations, they are overall presented in a straight-forward, this is how you use them manner. The qualitative methods (interviews and focus groups in particular) are almost exclusively discussed in terms of their limitations and criticism. These are of course chapters written by different authors, but the discrepancy is nevertheless annoying, particularly for students looking at qualitative methods themselves.

Finally, some of the chapters outright lack critical reflection. Chapter Four, for instance, presents methods for organizing and processing data quantitatively. We are presented with the difference between categorical and continuous variables. The author uses the example of show colours for categorical variables (as in distinct categories) and height as an example of continuous variables (as in a continuous scale), disregarding the fact that colour, too, is a spectrum. The author claims different height "gorups" would be arbitrary, for instance choosing a 180-195cm group as "large" rather than 190-205cm, ignoring the fact that "brown" and "black" do not either present themselves as clearcut categories and are - at the end of the day - arbitrary (the line where black ends and brown begins could essentially be drawn anywhere).

The book's an OK introduction to linguistics methods, but I wouldn't expect too much from it.

[Alatea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda basic, but good for students who want to have everything in one place.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished!
There were positives and negatives.
This text took me a very long time to read as it is most definitely a reference work. That being said, some sections were extremely useful, and I do feel that I have a better understanding of how research in the field of linguistics can be developed and carried out, which was the purpose for reading it.
There were some issues that should have been caught by the editor in some of the chapters, but they were seldom enough to be manageable and not detract from the usefulness of the overall text.
This is a collection of work by many different authors, and a few of them use archaic language to make a point and then restate their points it in a more approachable manner. I'm not a fan of that style of writing, especially when the archaic words are being used inaccurately, which did happen frequently in 1 chapter.
I will be keeping this book to use as a reference for the development of my own research in the future, but I will be more selective on which sections I read rather than trying to power through the whole text again.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for my master's in the UK. As someone who has not done applied research or had an all-around know-how on approaches and theoretical frameworks, I would say this helped me anticipate what will come in my Applied Linguistics program. I read about a chapter a day; some authors were easier to understand than others, and some concepts were easier to understand than others. 3 out 5; it's solid, and it served its purpose, but I took issue with some of the authors selected for this because they blatantly skipped things (i.e., 'we don't have time to cover all of this' attitude).

[hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Provided a good overview, but it was advertised as an "in-depth introduction to the key issues [...] in linguistic research" which does not hold true for this book in my opinion. A good choice as a first introduction, but not very valuable for more advanced students.

[Karim Elmenshawy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very direct and simple ..u need more,but still good book ........

[Morgan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful introduction; hardly a good time

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presents a very simplistic view of many areas of research, and one should definitely not rely only on this to properly conduct a study in linguistics. However, as a basic overview it meets it's purpose, and each chapter provides many references, should one want to read further into the topic

[Abdulsalam]

how can i read

[Hussain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't go through the book but stopped