Field Linguistics / Describing and documenting endangered languages

This course introduces the principles and methods of linguistic fieldwork. It consists of two interwoven components: one which presents the theory and methods of documentation of (mainly endangered) languages, and another practical component, in which we will apply these concepts to the description of a language.

Working with a language consultant (a speaker of a language unknown to the students and instructor), we will collect language data in order to develop an analysis of the language's phonology, morphology and syntax.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to have:                 

• An understanding about the goals, methods, issues and outcomes of the field of linguistics devoted to documenting and preserving languages.
• A practical methodology for eliciting and analyzing data from a speaker
• An awareness of issues surrounding language endangerment
• A general knowledge about linguistic diversity and its importance

Sufficient familiarity with phonetics/phonology to transcribe and analyse data in an unknown language