Training workshop on language documentation and analysis
17-18 July 2019, University of the Free State
The workshop will involve practical hands-on training in tools and approaches to language documentation and description. A strong thematic thread running through all of the sessions will involve building awareness of variation and perceptions related to variation between closely related languages are different dialects (microvariation), as well as building awareness of variation and perceptions relating to non-standard varieties of language
The workshop will include training on:
- Cross-linguistic structural variation, with an emphasis on morphology and syntax
- Morphosyntactic analysis of Bantu languages
- General skills of language documentation and description, including working with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for data collection
- Important topics in language documentation, including community engagement, working with your own introspection, and ethical considerations for language documentation
- Linguistic software such as ELAN, Audacity, Praat and Flex
- Analysing data and developing hypotheses
Practical information
Getting to Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is on the N1 and is served by several national bus routes (e.g., Greyhound, Intercape, Translux and Citibug shuttle) as well as less regular train connections.
Bram Fischer International Airport is about 13 km from the UFS Bloemfontein Campus and has several daily connections to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and some other domestic destinations.
Getting around
There are a number of car rental companies with with branches at Bram Fischer Airport, downtown Bloemfontein, and one on the UFS campus (Hertz).
Taxi companies: Rooikat Taxis: +27 51 522 5446; GG Taxis: +27 522 6969; Alfa Taxis: +27 433 3341
Shuttles: Mothebe shuttle service: +27 51 430 645; Estasi shuttle service: +27 51 430 6811; Phalima shuttle service: +27 82 575 1549; Executive shuttle: +27 82 568 6288
Access to UFS Bloemfontein campus
Use Gate 5 on DF Malherbe Drive. This gate allows visitor access (via the Visitors Centre next to this gate), the other gates have restrictions (also note that not all gates are open 24 hours).
How to locate us on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus:
The Department of Linguistics and Language Practice is on the first floor of the Stef Coetzee Building (Building 23). You can access a UFS campus map here.
Accommodation options
Here is a list of places within walking distance of UFS and the prices and links to their websites. Universitas near Wynand Mouton Gate are most convenient for participants planning to walk to and from the venue. Bloemfontein options are listed here.
(Prices below are based on 2016 information).
Kovsie Inn: From R660 (breakfast included). On UFS campus.
Palm Lodge: R750 (breakfast included). 400 metres from UFS Main Gate.
Anta Boga: Queen Room R1 125 (without breakfast). Breakfast R190 per person. Five minutes’ walk from UFS Main Gate.
City Lodge: R1100,90 (without breakfast), and breakfast for R135. One km from UFS Main Gate.
Sun1: R520 (without breakfast) and breakfast for R47,50. Approximately 10 minutes’ walk from UFS Main Gate.
Lazy Lizard Guest House: R850 (without breakfast) and R900 (incl. breakfast). Approximately 10 minutes’ walk from UFS Main Gate.