METHODOLOGICAL POSSIBILITIES OF APPLYING CORPUS LINGUISTICS IN TEACHING THE KAZAKH LANGUAGE

Abstract

This article examines the methodological foundations of applying corpus linguistics to the development of learners’ lexical skills in the process of teaching the Kazakh language. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing need for data-driven approaches to lexical skills development in contemporary language education. The aim of the research is to identify the methodological prerequisites for the use of corpus technologies in teaching Kazakh and to demonstrate their effectiveness in fostering learners’ lexical competence. The article explores the potential of corpus linguistics for expanding learners’ vocabulary, understanding word meanings in authentic contexts, and distinguishing between semantically related lexical units. The research employs theoretical analysis, comparison, systematization, and generalization, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods. In addition, the frequency of textual data, correlations among lexical units, and collocational patterns were analyzed. The study also investigates the possibilities of text analysis using the closed-access Voyant Tools platform based on materials from the textbook “Kazakh Language and Literature” designed for learners studying Kazakh as a second language. The findings demonstrate that integrating corpus analysis into the educational process enhances learners’ linguistic competence by enabling them to identify the frequency, collocational behavior, and semantic relationships of lexical items, while simultaneously promoting their research and communicative skills. Furthermore, the article proposes key methodological prerequisites for the implementation of corpus-based approaches in language teaching and presents models for incorporating corpus technologies into the learning process. The results indicate that corpus linguistics possesses significant methodological potential for selecting lexical material, explaining word meanings in context, mastering collocational patterns, and developing learners’ analytical and research skills.