175-418 Linguistic Field Methods

Completion of 37.5 points of second/third year linguistics and applied linguistics including 175-014 Phonetics and 175-015 Syntax for third year. 175-014 Phonetics, 175-015 Syntax, and admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in linguistics and applied linguistics for fourth year students.

This subject involves an analysis of an unknown language, working from scratch with a native speaker. In particular, students learn the main techniques for conducting such an analysis and apply these techniques in consultation sessions with an actual speaker. Students should develop their skills in identifying and describing the linguistic characteristics of different languages, through detailed work on one language. Ethical issues, field research techniques, and use of the internet for linguistic research and publication will also be covered.