Tom Honeyman

In this course we will look at modern methods used in Linguistic Fieldwork. Running through a simulated field session, we will cover methods for elicitation of words, sentences and texts. At the same time we will consider the practical constraints of working in the field, use of digital equipment and good documentation practice, working with consultants, ethical considerations, ownership and other legal issues, considerations for sharing you data with others and producing materials for the community.

Because fieldwork must be conducted under often difficult circumstances, in a short period of time and with a limit breadth of sources, we will be focusing on methods and technology that we can use to attempt to counteract this. However, it is important to remember that some of these limitations simply cannot be overcome.

Good fieldwork will convey to the reader the relative empirical weight of an assertion. Through good documentation a fieldworker can both allow the reader to reconfirm their findings independently, and build upon their work. This is especially critical when working on endangered languages.

Materials

• Slides