Linguistic Field Methods

Catalog description

Language documentation fieldwork is an essential part of linguistics, and a key source of data that linguistic theories are built on. Fieldwork is also inherently valuable in its own right: through describing and documenting un- or under-studied languages, we collaborate with communities to promote linguistic justice, and the preservation and revitalization of language and culture. In this course we learn the skills for language documentation and explore issues related to linguistic fieldwork. Topics include direct elicitation techniques, technology use, data processing, linguistic analysis, ethics, grants, data archiving, and more. We put this knowledge into practice by investigating a language together. Prerequisite: LING/ANTH118, LING312, or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Offered regularly. 4 credits.