Data and methods in corpus linguistics : comparative approaches Corpus linguistics continues to be a vibrant methodology applied across highly diverse fields of research in the language sciences. With the current steep rise in corpus sizes computational power statistical literacy and multipurpose software tools and inspired by neighbouring disciplines approaches have diversified to an extent that calls for an intensification of the accompanying critical debate. Bringing together a team of leading experts this book follows a unique design comparing advanced methods and approaches current in corpus linguistics to stimulate reflective evaluation and discussion. Each chapter explores the strengths and weaknesses of different datasets and techniques presenting a case study and allowing readers to gauge methodological options in practice. Contributions also provide suggestions for further reading and data and analysis scripts are included in an online appendix. This is an important and timely volume and will be essential reading for any linguist interested in corpus linguistic approaches to variation and change