How to proceed with data archiving on endangered languages?

Elizabeth Zeitoun

Feb. 7, 2005

Abstract

            In this talk, I describe the workflow for documenting and archiving endangered and/or not so well-documented languages. My goal is primarily to show you the empirical approach we adopted when building the Formosan Language Archive, while providing

the audience with tips and conventions that have become standards in the linguistic community.

            Topics discussed include:

            1) Find good informants

            2) Collect texts – with info on the hypertext (= metadata) on tapes or MD

            3) Transcribe texts

            4) Type texts on computer

            5) Export audio files to computer for digitization

            6) Break sound files into sentences and match with the transcribed texts

            7) Revise analysis by going over the data and correct inconsistencies

            8) Programs related to archiving work