Toward a computer-aided methodology for discourse analysis

Abstract

This paper describes and outlines a new project entitled “Applying computer-aided methods to discourse analysis”. This project aims to develop an e-learning environment dedicated to documenting, evaluating and teaching the use of corpus linguistic tools suitable for interpretative text analysis. Even though its roots are in discourse analysis, the scope of the platform also covers topics pertaining to general text analysis, as is reflected in its name, Computer Aided Methodology for Text Analysis (CAMTA). The paper provides a discussion of some of the basics of corpus linguistics in relation to discourse analysis and a demonstration of some of the basic features of the software developed for the e-learning environment, Qua Mano.