230693 Introduction to Field Methods (S) (SoSe 2026)

This course introduces participants to the basics of linguistic fieldwork methods. After some introductions on field methods and fieldwork preparations, students will be exposed to first-hand experience of data collection in a simulated field context. Participants will work in groups to collect and elicit data on a topic of their choice from a native speaker of an under-described language, and then propose a potential analysis for the data. Throughout the course, participants will receive adequate support and guidance on the description and analysis of the collected data. Participants will be trained on how to use digital tools for fieldwork. Lastly, participants will have the opportunity to present their findings in a workshop format. At the end of the course, participants will be able to independently collect and describe language data. The only requirements for the course is active participation and enthusiasm to work on a new language.

Bibliography

Sakel, Jeanette and Daniel L. Everett. Linguistic Fieldwork. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2012.