Language Informants in Linguistic Research
48 Questions
6 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason Lowie was able to gain the help of a Blackfoot interpreter?

  • Lowie demonstrated a unique cultural skill that piqued their interest. (correct)
  • Lowie offered a high monetary compensation to the interpreter.
  • Lowie was fluent in the Blackfoot language, and it helped him communicate effectively.
  • Lowie threatened to report the Blackfoot tribe to the white authorities if they didn't cooperate.

Offering a high rate of pay will always guarantee cooperation from informants, regardless of local conditions.

False (B)

What is one reason for starting with a lower pay rate than intended when compensating an informant?

easier to dismiss a worker

The rate of pay for informants depends primarily on local _________, not on the resources of the investigator.

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

Why is it important to differentiate pay scales based on the type of work informants perform?

<p>To avoid overpaying for simple tasks and conserve research funds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Establishing friendly relations with the community might make an informant uncomfortable accepting public payment for their help.

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

According to the reading, what type of worker could be used as a comparison in a money economy when rating an informant?

<p>semi-skilled employee</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of work with appropriate application for a particular study:

<p>Regular Informant = Intensive Study of a specific aspect of culture Survey Work = Broad overview of community opinions</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a potential language informant, why should answers to questions about their language skills not be taken at face value?

<p>The interpretation of the question by the respondent may differ from what was intended. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to only analyze part of a text and use the rest for testing if the unanalyzed portion can be aptly described by the analysis.

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

Besides regular availability, what essential attribute should a language informant possess?

<p>good speaker of the language</p> Signup and view all the answers

When selecting informants, comments from the community often provide useful insights into the potential candidates' verbal ______.

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

Match each question with its purpose in assessing potential language informants:

<p>Does he speak your language well? = Gauges the informant's proficiency in the target language. Is he a good conversationalist, storyteller, orator, quoter of proverbs? = Determines the informant's ability to use language engagingly. Does he use words from other areas? = Identifies if the informant's vocabulary is influenced by external languages or dialects. Can he explain things well? = Assesses the informant's ability to articulate and clarify concepts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem did researchers working on the Linguistic Atlas of New England encounter when selecting informants?

<p>Precise instructions were not followed, and preferences for certain informant types were shown. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Recommendations for informants should be accepted without scrutiny if they come from a respected community member.

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

What might a sponsor do to promote their candidate as a language informant if they learned the qualities the investigator was looking for?

<p>Create a very convincing but possibly exaggerated case for their candidate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason informants might refuse payment for their participation in a study?

<p>They want to establish a personal relationship with the investigator, placing the investigator under obligation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rewards an informant receives from cooperating with a researcher always outweigh the potential negative perceptions from their community.

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

What is a potential negative consequence for an investigator who attempts to deceive informants?

<p>The community may obstruct or deceive the investigator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The relationship established in fieldwork involves a ______ exchange between the investigator and the participating parties.

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

From the perspective of an informant's peers, what is one possible negative perception of their cooperation with an investigator?

<p>They are viewed as shirking their responsibilities or betraying community secrets. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An investigator should always assume that the rewards they offer are sufficient to compensate the informant for their time and effort.

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

What psychological satisfaction might an interviewee get for participating?

<p>Ego-building or satisfying curiosity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors by an investigator is most likely to negatively impact a linguistics project due to informant impatience?

<p>Proceeding with the investigation superficially after realizing a knowledge gap. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An ideal language informant should readily accept compensation in the form of goods or services from the linguist, regardless of personal needs.

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

Why is it dangerous for investigators to trick informants?

<p>May be tricked themselves by the irate community</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a dependable informant, as exemplified by the Gbeya informant Gounnté?

<p>Consistently fulfilling agreed-upon obligations</p> Signup and view all the answers

A dependable informant is one who fulfills all the __________ agreed upon with the field worker.

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

Match the scenarios with the reasons why an informant might be unavailable:

<p>River is rising = Opportunity to catch catfish Several sunny days in a row = Time to burn new clearing for planting Runs out of kerosene or matches = Needs to buy supplies from the researchers' location It rains = Stays at home</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the anecdote about the Amuesha informant primarily illustrate regarding the challenges of fieldwork?

<p>The need for linguists to adapt to the informant's lifestyle and schedule due to external factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A good informant will always prioritize the linguist's schedule over their personal needs and circumstances.

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

What personal attribute of the Gbeya informant, aside from his reliability, made his contributions particularly remarkable?

<p>His blindness</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key distinction does the author make between the connectives 'go' and 'sôko'?

<p>'Sôko' implies that the action of the first clause was completed before the second. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, bilingualism alone is sufficient to make someone a linguistically sophisticated informant.

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

What is one characteristic of a good language informant?

<p>Frank and critical appraisal of the linguist's attempts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Linguistic sophistication takes language out of the realm of the ________ and automatic and puts it in the realm of the conscious and ________.

<p>unconscious, deliberate</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what is often lacking in individuals who learn to read Sango informally?

<p>A process of intellectualization for objective language discussion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ability to recite poetry is sufficient for someone to be a good language informant.

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

Why does the author consider an informant who points out the completion aspect of 'sôko' more helpful?

<p>Because such nuanced observations are rarely offered by informants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following traits with their relationship to being a language informant:

<p>Linguistic Sophistication = Implies the ability to reflect on how one uses language Naiveté = Results from unconscious and automatic use of language Verbal Arts = Can be applied to linguistic analysis with guidance Literacy = Might be correlated with deeper knowledge of language structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a linguist when working with an informant?

<p>To progressively develop the informant's linguistic sophistication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cross-cultural awareness directly implies linguistic objectivity in an informant.

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

According to the content what factors determine an informant's attitude toward their language?

<p>personal and cultural factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

The terms 'naive' and 'sophisticated' are best understood as points on a ______ of characteristics.

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

In the example provided, why did the Tausug informant offer the word for a 'city house' rather than a 'mud house' when asked for the word 'house'?

<p>Because he perceived 'mud houses' as inappropriate for a sophisticated university context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Linguistic Sophistication = Ability to objectively analyze one's language. Cross-cultural Awareness = Understanding of cultures beyond one's own. Naivete = Lack of skill in dealing objectively with one's language. Informant Attitude = Determined by personal and cultural factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does McIntosh suggest that Scots will always react in a linguistically sophisticated way?

<p>They are used to considering the relationship between Scots, English and other forms of Scots. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For purely linguistic research, a culturally sophisticated informant is always preferable to one without such awareness.

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

Flashcards

Language Community

A group of people who share a common language and culture.

Informant

A native speaker who provides linguistic data for study.

Field Worker

An investigator who collects linguistic information from informants.

Evaluating Verbal Gifts

Assessing someone's speaking ability and linguistic proficiency.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Recommendation Scrutiny

Careful examination of informant endorsements to ensure validity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Statistical Adequacy

Evaluating the sufficiency of linguistic data using statistical methods.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conversationalist

A person skilled in engaging and maintaining dialogue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Context

The background knowledge and social norms that influence language use.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Remuneration

Payment in money, goods, or services for work done.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Building trust with informants

Developing relationships to encourage cooperation without coercion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Local conditions influencing pay

Payment rates based on community, economy, or social norms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fieldwork dynamics

The interaction and relationship between researchers and informants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pay scale variation

Different pay rates for varying levels or types of work performed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Encouragement through salary increase

Using pay raises to motivate informants and improve performance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Community influence on informants

The impact of societal norms on an informant's willingness to share information.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reciprocal Exchange

A mutual relationship where both parties gain something.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impatience of Informants

Impatience can negatively affect the data collection process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Informant's Motivation

Reasons why informants choose to participate in research.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Role Obligation

An informal duty that compels behavior within a relationship.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Consequences of Anger

Anger can lead an investigator to act carelessly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Taboos

Social norms that dictate acceptable behavior within a community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Honesty in Linguistics

An honest informant ensures natural language is used.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychological Satisfaction

Emotional rewards that informants get from participation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dependability of Informants

Dependability involves fulfilling agreed commitments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gounnté's Dependability

Gounnté rarely missed sessions, showcasing strong commitment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Peer Perception

How a person's actions are viewed by their community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Investigative Duplicity

Deceptive practices by investigators during research.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Circumstances Affecting Attendance

External factors can disrupt an informant's attendance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Informant’s Flexibility

An informant may prioritize survival needs over data collection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Community Obstruction

Resistance faced by an investigator from the community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Data Collection Opportunities

Informants can provide data in casual settings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Connectives

Words that link clauses in a sentence, like 'go' and 'sôko'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Action Completion

The implication that one action happens before another in a sentence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Linguistic Sophistication

The ability to analyze and reflect on language use consciously.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Naiveté in Language

A lack of awareness or critical thinking about language use.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Field Worker Skills

The need for training to analyze language accurately.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Literacy and Language Knowledge

Fluency in reading may enhance understanding of language structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Informant's Role

A speaker providing linguistic data, often needing linguistic awareness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Empirical Studies in Language

Research examining the skills of language informants that is limited.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sophistication

A measure of an informant's skill and awareness in language and culture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Linguistic Objectivity

The ability to analyze language without personal bias.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Awareness

Understanding and recognizing cultural differences beyond one’s own community.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Field Methods Session

A structured gathering where informants provide linguistic data.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prestige Vocabulary

Words that are considered highly valued or accepted in prestigious contexts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Community Influence

The effect of an informant's community on their language responses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lexical Skewing

The distortion of language data based on an informant's biases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Role in Culture

The importance and function of language in a speaker's cultural context.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

The Language Informant

  • Linguistic investigators are outsiders to the language they study.
  • Language initially appears as noise to an outsider.
  • The language becomes understandable through interaction within the community.
  • An informant facilitates this process by offering samples of the language, explanations, and interpretations.
  • Informants provide crucial data for linguistic analysis by furnishing examples and contextual understanding.
  • They explain how language is used within the community.
  • Informants are more often those who regularly meet with the researcher.
  • "Informant" is a technical term and should be used carefully outside of linguistic circles.

Need for Informants

  • Informants are essential to linguistic research in gathering data and achieving accurate linguistic analyses.
  • A meticulous treatment of informants' roles in linguistic analysis is lacking in existing literature.
  • Researchers often express gratitude to informants but seldom explain the full extent of the collaboration.
  • Informants contribute data, interpretation, and contextual knowledge to linguistic analysis.
  • Informants help establish connections and meanings between the language being studied and the researcher's native language.
  • Linguistic analysis depends on data from many speakers, not just one.

Selection of Informants

  • Not all speakers qualify as informants.
  • Criteria for good informants include good communication skills and willingness to engage.
  • Informants' backgrounds and relationships can impact data quality.
  • Considerations for selection include the community's dynamics, the project's goals and the suitability of the individual to aid the project.
  • It's often beneficial to conduct a reconnaissance to vet prospective informants before choosing a particular one.
  • It's vital to address potential issues or challenges with any potential informant.

Training of Informants

  • Informants require training to become proficient contributors to research.
  • Training often involves clarifying the researcher's goals, procedures, and expectations.
  • Training helps ensure that the data collected is accurate and representative of the language.
  • Accurate transcription and data recording is essential for high quality research.
  • The process of linguistic analysis and the methods employed should be explicitly explained to the informant.
  • The goal of training is to transform the informant into a well-informed, interested, and cooperative collaborator.
  • Factors such as age, cultural background, and individual experiences can affect training.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

The Language Informant PDF

Description

Explore the role of language informants in linguistic research. Informants provide language samples, explanations, and interpretations, facilitating understanding for linguistic investigators. They are crucial for data collection and accurate linguistic analysis, offering insights into language usage within a community.

More Like This

Saludos y Preguntas Informales en Español
5 questions
Los Mandatos Informales Flashcards
30 questions
Language Contact and Bilingualism Quiz
18 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser