In this bittersweet conclusion to CorpusCast, Dr Robbie Love takes on a new role as the interviewee, with long-time producer Sam Cook stepping into the host’s chair. Reflecting on three years and 36 episodes of conversations about corpus linguistics and its societal applications, this episode looks into the origins of the podcast, its evolution and memorable moments with guests from around the world. Robbie and Sam revisit the challenges and triumphs of producing CorpusCast, from coordinating interviews across multiple time zones to navigating the growth of AI and its impact on linguistics. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including wardrobe commentary, logistical nightmares and unexpected gems of candidness from past episodes. Robbie offers heartfelt thanks to the listeners and guests who have supported the show and provides his advice for aspiring corpus linguists. The episode ends with a reflection on the podcast’s legacy as a living record of corpus linguistics and a hint that this may not be a final farewell, but a “hiatus.” Whether you’ve been a long-time listener or are new to CorpusCast, this finale offers an engaging, humorous and reflective look at the podcast's journey. Thank you for listening - and stay tuned for whatever comes next...

In this episode of CorpusCast, Dr Robbie Love dives into the transformative potential of statistics in corpus linguistics, featuring special guest Professor Stefan Th. Gries from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Known for his advocacy of rigorous statistical methods, Professor Gries challenges conventional approaches, pushing for statistical sophistication in understanding language. Throughout the conversation, Professor Gries shares how statistical modeling is changing the field by providing tools to quantify language patterns, moving beyond basic calculations to multifactorial models that address the complexity of linguistic data. With these advanced methods, researchers are better equipped to manage variability, enhancing the reliability and generalisability of corpus-based findings. The discussion also explores the shift toward mixed-effects modelling, which considers individual differences in language use, adding nuance to linguistic studies. Dr. Love and Professor Gries discuss the challenges students and researchers face in learning and applying these methods, as well as practical approaches to make complex statistics accessible to linguistics students and seasoned researchers alike. Whether you're new to corpus linguistics or a seasoned professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving role of statistics in the field. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion on the power of data in revealing hidden patterns in language.

In this episode of CorpusCast, host Dr Robbie Love is joined by Dr Guyanne Wilson, Quirk Lecturer in English Linguistics at University College London, to explore the fascinating role of corpus linguistics in studying World Englishes.

With experience in compiling corpora from Trinidad and Tobago to Uganda, Dr Wilson unpacks the development of these English varieties and the social, linguistic, and historical contexts in which they thrive.

From her academic journey, starting in Trinidad and Tobago, to her current position at UCL as the Quirk Lecturer in English Linguistics, Dr Wilson shares insights into the importance of documenting diverse Englishes, emphasising the value of corpus linguistics in social justice.

The episode looks into the challenges of building corpora, working with historical language data and the evolving norms in English usage around the world. Join us for a discussion into the intersection of linguistics, history and global diversity.