Field Linguistics and Data Collection
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of field linguistics?

  • Creating writing systems for languages that lack them.
  • Obtaining linguistic data and studying linguistic phenomena. (correct)
  • Preserving endangered languages through documentation only.
  • Developing linguistic theories without empirical data.

Field linguistics is exclusively conducted in remote, undeveloped areas.

False (B)

What are the two primary participants involved in field linguistics research?

linguistic researcher, speaker

In field linguistics, the speaker of the language is often referred to as the ________, who provides linguistic information.

<p>informant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Field linguistics is also referred to as:

<p>Informant method. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Field work can only be done on languages which have never been studied before.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is MOST representative of field linguistics?

<p>A linguist working with a native speaker to document their language's grammar. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its correct association in the context of field linguistics:

<p>Informant = Source of linguistic data. Contact method = Direct personal interaction. Linguistic researcher = Investigator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is linguistic fieldwork considered a laboratory for all of linguistics?

<p>It allows for the testing of theories and generalizations with new data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, linguistic generalizations are always universally valid, regardless of the specific corpus examined.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that ethnographic texts can serve as a 'stimulus for particular investigations'?

<p>discover valuable clues</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excessive theorizing occurs when the same problems are looked at again and again at the expense of ignoring other ______ issues.

<p>significant</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance of language to ethnographic fieldwork, according to Boas?

<p>It serves as a tool for obtaining precise and thorough knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following benefits with the area they positively impact based on linguistic field work.

<p>Data for experimentation = Other disciplines besides linguistics Testing of theories = All of linguistics Give the impression of understanding = Ethnographic field work</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Suttles discover through his texts that he could not have found using the genealogical method?

<p>A unique set of kinship forms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Radin, the ethnographer's ability to write down and read the text with good approximation to the informant's pronunciation can help bridge the psychological distance between them.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of dying languages considered important?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, the exact number of languages spoken in the world is definitively known.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does field work play in contributing data towards the understanding of language universals?

<p>Field work provides empirical data from diverse languages, which can reveal common patterns and structures across languages, contributing to the formulation of language universals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Field work is considered indispensable for the _ of linguistics, akin to natural history's role in biology.

<p>development</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for linguistic research in the context of language universals?

<p>To identify patterns and commonalities across different languages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Descriptions of specific aspects of grammar (for example, sound systems, grammatical categories, clause types) for many languages are not realizable.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the region with the estimated number of languages, according to the text:

<p>West Africa = Well over 500 Global Estimate (older) = 2500-3500 Global Estimate (more recent) = 4000-7000 North American Indian Languages with Few Speakers = 49 have fewer than 10 speakers</p> Signup and view all the answers

F.G. Lounsbury compares recording and describing dying languages to which area of biology?

<p>Natural history (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Bloomfield suggest about the relationship between linguistics and other human sciences?

<p>Linguistics is most closely related to ethnology, precedes all other human sciences in complexity, and links natural sciences and human sciences, following psychology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, the importance of linguistic studies is limited to the field of anthropology.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one practical application of field linguistics in newly formed nations, as mentioned in the passage?

<p>language planning</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of increased field work in linguistics?

<p>It reduces the time required to identify the distinctive structures of languages by providing more information about language variability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The eclipse of the colonial era and the rise of new nations has led to an urgent need for language planning and 'language ________'.

<p>engineering</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to field work on Campa, it was universally accepted that languages could have multiple contiguous syllables with primary stress.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides providing data, what metaphorical role does the field play for a linguist?

<p>laboratory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the language scenarios with the appropriate linguistic task.

<p>Languages with dialects like Arabic = Standardization across variations Recently revived languages like Hebrew = Full scientific modernization Trade languages like Malay = Standardization Vernacular languages recently raised to official status = Development and formalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern for anthropologists using linguistic studies?

<p>Understanding the relationship between cultural behavior and semantic structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lyons, the sphere of what is thought of as _____ is constantly revised under the impact of discoveries made in the description of actual languages.

<p>possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Campa language present special difficulties to the investigators?

<p>The investigators were unprepared to recognize the system of multiple primary stresses when the evidence began to appear. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, all questions posed to linguists by other scientists require new research to be answered.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a type of language that needs to be 'standardized' due to practical needs, according to the information.

<p>trade languages</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have detailed descriptions of various languages?

<p>To reduce the amount of universal statements about language without specific proof. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Field Work = Direct investigation of languages in their natural context Language Universals = Characteristics that are common to all languages Language Description = Detailed documentation of a language's structure and use Generative-Transformational Models = Theoretical frameworks that aim to explain the underlying rules of language</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the excerpt, texts collected in the field are immediately valid as a measuring rod to test linguistic generalizations, without further analysis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is field linguistics considered important in the study of language?

<p>It provides data from living languages, enriching our understanding beyond written sources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, the rise in field work during the last century had no impact on the development of linguistic science.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes language research conducted under field conditions, even if it is not considered prolonged or intensive?

<p>Direct interaction with speakers of a language, especially when seeking information not available in existing descriptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of language would be severely limited if we solely depended on the __________ records of language.

<p>written</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of linguistic study with their descriptions:

<p>Field Linguistics = Study of linguistic behavior in real-world, natural settings. Theoretical Linguistics = Development of models and theories to explain language structure. Historical Linguistics = Examination of language change over time. Sociolinguistics = Study of the relationship between language and society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of early investigations into lesser-known languages and dialects?

<p>They were often influenced by theories about language origin and relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that the need for linguistic field work is decreasing due to the advancements in linguistic theory.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why has the amount of field work increased dramatically since the beginning of the century?

<p>There has been significant development in the science of language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Field Linguistics

Obtaining linguistic data and studying linguistic phenomena through direct personal contact.

Informant

The speaker of a language who provides information to the linguistic researcher.

Informant Method

An alternative name for field linguistics, emphasizing the role of the language speaker.

Contact Method

An alternative term for field linguistics, highlighting direct interaction.

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Direct Investigation

Personal contact with a speaker of a language.

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Language Study

Field linguistics is the study of languages that have not been studied before or poorly studied.

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Location Flexibility

The researcher can bring the speaker to them.

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Broad Application

Fieldwork done on any language for any purpose.

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Language Universals

Characteristics believed to be present in all languages.

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Campa

A language of Peru with contiguous syllables that can have primary stress.

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Language Description

Detailed analysis of a language's structure, sounds, and grammar.

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Field Work Benefits

Field work increases information about language variability.

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Cumulative Progress

Progresses through hypothesis, discovery, and refinement.

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Generalization Testing

Testing generalizations about a language with native speakers.

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Text Analysis

Studying recorded language samples to support or refute linguistic analysis.

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Global Language Documentation

There is a lack of basic information about many languages.

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Number of Languages

A rough estimate of the number of languages in the world.

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Language Endangerment

Languages are disappearing as speakers assimilate into dominant societies or pass away.

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Incomplete Linguistic Descriptions

Many languages are inadequately described, even major ones.

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Linguists' Role

Gathering information about languages is the task of linguists.

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Importance of Field Work

Essential for advancing linguistic science and understanding.

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Field Work (Linguistic)

Teaching a language with a native speaker and learning from them due to your own limitations, especially when existing resources are insufficient.

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Importance of Field Linguistics

Knowledge of language would be limited without direct study of living languages; written records alone are insufficient.

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Historical Field Linguistics

Historically, it involved collecting data on less-known languages and dialects, often influenced by theories about language origin.

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Evolution of Language Study

Increased focus on direct study of living languages, including dialects and less-studied 'sister' languages.

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Non-Western Language Research

Research on non-Western languages gained traction, some of which remains valuable today.

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Growth of Field Work

Increased dramatically in the 20th century, paralleling advancements in the science of language.

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Linguistics and Field Work

The development of linguistics is greatly driven by research on living and non-Western languages.

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Linguistic Generalization Validity

Ensuring linguistic generalizations are valid beyond a specific dataset.

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Fieldwork's Theoretical Role

New linguistic data tests existing theories and uncovers weaknesses.

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Antidote for Over-Theorizing

Prevents excessive focus on the same issues by introducing new data.

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Linguistics and Anthropology

Anthropology relies on linguistic fieldwork for data, experiments, and problem formulation.

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Language Command Importance

Essential for thorough and accurate knowledge in ethnographic fieldwork.

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Ethnographic Texts

Explicit cultural information obtained through native language texts.

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Texts as Investigation Stimuli

Texts act as stimuli for investigations, revealing valuable information during translation.

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Texts and Informant Trust

Collection of texts can improve informant's trust and willingness to share information.

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Cultural Behavior & Semantics

Examines connections between cultural aspects and language structure.

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Perception & Linguistic Structure

Investigates the link between how we perceive the world and how language is structured.

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Cultural Semantic Structures

Semantic systems unique to certain cultures or common across all.

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Disciplines Using Linguistics

Anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and theology.

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Applied Linguistics

Applying linguistic knowledge to real-world situations.

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Language Planning

Handling language-related issues in new countries.

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Language Engineering

Adapting languages for official use and modern contexts.

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Trade Languages Example

Arabic, Malay, Fula, and Sango.

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Study Notes

  • Field linguistics obtains linguistic data and studies linguistic phenomena.
  • Field linguistics involves a speaker and a linguistic researcher, using direct personal contact for investigation.
  • The speaker of the language is the informant and is the source of information.
  • The informant also evaluates utterances for the investigator.
  • This approach is also known as the informant method or the contact method.
  • Field linguistics can occur anywhere, not just in the field.
  • Field linguistics shouldn't be confused with anthropological linguistics, which has multiple other aspects which include theoretical, psychological, critical, communicational, and comparative ways of dealing with language.
  • Anthropological linguistics analyzes a wholly unknown language or an unknown part of a language that is known in other parts
  • It emphasizes the discovery portion of research whether that be of the whole language itself in grammar form or of aspects of a system, like phonemic systems.
  • Anthropological linguistics focuses on the studies of the languages of peoples who have no writing.
  • A linguist can bring a source to himself, unlike a field archeologist who must go to where he needs to collect his data.
  • Field linguistics is normally though of as being work done on languages that haven't been studied before or have been poorly studied.
  • Regardless, fieldwork can be done on any language for any purpose.
  • Doing fieldwork can range from brief to in depth studies of the languages.
  • Linguistics relies on field linguistics to be studied as it has played a crucial role in humanity's study of language
  • Without field linguistics and a reliance on just written records, information would be severely restricted.
  • Inquiries about language have become more sophisticated with the increase in the direct study of living languages.
  • As a result, studies have increased dramatically since the start of the century, developing the science of language.
  • Linguistics' coming of age has not diminished the importance of work, but made its increased the need for work.
  • Millions of dollars are spent on it each year.

Ways Field Linguistics Can Serve Some Important Purposes

  • There is still a dearth of basic information about the languages of the world.
  • We aren't even sure of how many languages there are on the planet.
  • About 30 years ago a really rough estimate was that there were just around 2500-3500 languages, but recent studies have found that there are closer to 4000-7000.
  • Languages die off when monolingual speakers die or when they assimilate.
  • 49/181 North American Indian languages have less than 10 speakers who are over 50 years old.
  • Field work can lead to the development of linguistics.
  • Linguistic research can contribute data toward understanding language universals.

How Field Work Leads to Development of Linguistics

  • The field is also the laboratory of the linguist.
  • In his attempt to write a grammar, one must test every generalization by checking statements with informants and with texts.
  • The field serves as a laboratory for linguistics insofar as all theories and generalizations are tested by new data.
  • Field work is an antidote for excessive theorizing, which occurs when the same issues or data are looked at while ignoring others.
  • Other disciplines rely on linguistic field work for data, experimentation, and formation of problems.
  • Anthropology is one discipline which has recognized its dependence on it, with both it and linguistics having developed in the US.

Linguistics Being Applied to Affairs

  • Linguistics is going to be applied practically to human affairs.
  • With the rise of new nations and the fall of the colonial era, there is an urgent need for language planning and language engineering.
  • Nations have to establish how many languages are spoken in boundaries and which ones should be for use in education.
  • Some trade languages have to be standardized.
  • This century will see a series of linguistic revolutions, some because of political developments, and others because of population explosions.
  • If "minor" languages were so classed because of the number of their speakers, some of them are becoming less "minor" due to population explosion.

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The Purpose of Field Linguistics PDF

Description

Field linguistics focuses on obtaining linguistic data and studying phenomena through direct interaction between a researcher and a native speaker, the informant. The informant provides language samples and evaluates utterances, facilitating the investigation. It differs from anthropological linguistics, which encompasses broader theoretical and comparative analyses of language, often dealing with previously unknown languages or aspects thereof.

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