Field Linguistics: Describing and documenting endangered languages (Master S1/S3 Class)

Basic information

• Credits: 3
• Format: 90 minute per week
• 2026-2027 instructors: Patricia Camus
• 2026-2027 schedule: Fridays, Thursdays, 8:30-10:00, room 145
• Moodle page

Description

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.

Prerequisites

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

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students should 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.