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).
Description
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.
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
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Tutorial, group research work, individual research work.
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.
Assessment 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%)
Blackboard
Yes, see Blackboard
Reading list
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!
Registration
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply