Table 2.1 A qualitative comparison of a text versus a corpus
| A text | A corpus |
| read whole | read fragmented |
| read horizontally | read vertically |
| read for content | read for formal patterning |
| read as a unique event | read for repeated events |
| read as as individual act of will | read as a sample of social practice |
| instance of parole | gives insights into langue |
| coherent communicative event | not a coherent communicative event |