An exciting part of studying linguistics is learning about a language from speakers rather than from books. Good linguistic theory is not only based on finding the universals of language, but also on an appreciation of how languages vary.
In this course we will learn about a poorly described language by working with a native speaker. The aim is to document and analyze linguistic data, ranging from segments, to words, to utterances.
The field work practice includes learning about tools and techniques for eliciting, recording, transcribing, archiving and presenting linguistic material, including the creation, use and archiving of digital audio and video data. At the same time we will discuss ethical and practical issues of working in the field. Students will carry out both group work and an individual project.
Timetable
To be added.
Method of Instruction
Tutorial, group research work, individual research work.
Admission requirements
BA/MA in linguistics or a particular language (e.g. Dutch, Indonesian, French, Arabic). BA/MA in Anthropology or Bible Translation with an interest in linguistic fieldwork. Please study the following pre-requisite readings beforehand, as a basic knowledge of linguistic concepts and how to apply them on actual language data is assumed:
(i) Gussenhoven, C. and H. Jacobs. 1998 (2nd ed.) Understanding Phonology. London: Arnold and/or
(ii) Davenport, Mike and S.J. Hannahs. 2005 (2nd ed.) Introducing Phonetics and Phonology. London: Hodder Arnold
(iii) Payne, Thomas E., 2006. Exploring language structure: A student’s guide. Cambridge: CUP and/or
(iv) Kroeger, Paul R., 2005. Analyzing grammar: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
A recommended co-requisite course is the elective Articulatory Phonetics & Typology of sounds (also a 5 ECT Research Master elective).
Course Objectives
Learn about a poorly described language by working with a native speaker.
Practice data collection and analysis (phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, textual)
Practice data organisation in database and on paper
Learn about the relationship between the collected data and the theory that shapes data collection and research questions
Learn about the ethical and practical issues of working in the field, such as: the goals of language documentation, choosing a field site, choosing a consultant, processing field data, fieldwork methods, orthography design, how to work with speakers, reference grammar design, dictionaries and word lists.
Learn about tools and techniques for eliciting, recording, transcribing, archiving linguistic material, including the creation, use and archiving of digital data.
Learn how to apply for grants for field research
Course load
5 ect = 140 hours, for example dividable as follows:
Class meetings: 11 x 2 hours = 22 hours
Homework/data collection and analysis: 8 weeks for 8 hours = 64 hours
Writing the phonology sketch: 16 hours
Writing the morpho-syntax sketch: 16 hours
Writing sketch grammar: 32 hours
Required readings
Bowern, Claire. 2008. Linguistic Fieldwork: A Practical Guide. Palgrave MacMillan, 253 pp. Additional readings will be handed out, or put on Blackboard.
Plus: the pre-requisite readings mentioned above!
Test method
Students will be assessed on how they perform in the field sessions, transcription, annotation of data, and class attendance (20%)
Phonology sketch (approx 5 pages) (20%)
Morpho-syntax sketch (approx 8 pages) (20%)
Final paper: a grammar sketch with (i) an introduction, (ii) a chapter on phonology (revision of sketch), (iii) a chapter on morpho-syntax (revision of sketch), (iv) a chapter on a special topic chosen by the student, (v) a glossed and transcribed text, (vi) a word list. Minimally 20 pages, due end of term (40%)
General Information
Students taking this course must be prepared to attend all classes and to work intensively throughout the course.
Students take turns in being the manager of the field sessions in class. Duties include:
Keep elicitation going
Take notes of the results
Transcribe, gloss and translate the data
Make the transcription and the translation available before the next class
Each week we meet for two hours in class. One hour will be dedicated to field sessions in class, and one hour for discussion of the data collected, as well as the practical and ethical issues that arise.
In addition, students also collect their own data with the native speaker outside class, in groups of 2-3, for about 30-45 minutes per week.
Registration
Blackboard
Yes
Overview
Week 1
Overview, practicalities. Introduction to consultant and his/her language. Field session: names, greetings, basic questions and answers, names of some body parts.
Bowern, Ch 1. Introduction. Ch. 2. Technology in the field.
Week 2
Field session: Basic vocabulary of approx. 200 items. See Bowern, Appendix G, Twenty basic sentences. Bowern, Appendix B, point 3 and 4.
Week 3
Field session: Finish collecting basic vocabulary and basic sentences; Transcription, orthography, suprasegmentals; Phonetics/Phonology checklist. Bowern, Ch. 5. Fieldwork on phonetics and phonology. Ch.6 Eliciting: basic morphology and syntax.
Week 4
Field session: Short text (2-3 minutes). Suggestions of texts to elicit: Bowern, p. 97.
Bowern, Ch. 9. Discourse, pragmatics and narrative data.
Week 5
Field session: Short text. Bowern, Ch. 7. Further morphology and syntax.
Week 6
Hand in Phonology sketch
Field session. Bowern, Ch. 8. Lexical and semantic data and dictionary making.
Week 7
No class
Week 8
Discussion of Phonology sketches. Field session. Bowern, Ch. 10. Consultants and field locations.
Week 9
Field session. Bowern, Ch. 11. Ethical field research, Ch. 12. Grant application writing.
Week 10
Field session. Bowern, Ch. 13. Working with existing materials.
Week 11
Hand in Morpho-syntax sketch. Bowern, Ch. 14. Fieldwork results.
Week 12
Discussion of morpho-syntax sketches. Anthropological notes.
Week 13 + 14: Students work independently on grammar sketch. Consultation on request.