[RNLD: ] Linguistics in the Pub Tuesday 29th May

[Ruth Singer]

Announcement: Linguistics in the Pub May 2012


Topic: *More than just being there? The place of participant observation in
linguistic fieldwork*

Participant observation is the subject of intense discussion and reflection
in the fields of anthropology and ethnomethodology. Writings on linguistic
fieldwork often mention participant observation in passing as one of the
techniques used in linguistic fieldwork. But it is rarely discussed in
detail, nor is there much of the type of reflective discussions we find in
other fields. Is this because it is possible to study linguistic data
without any participation in the speech community? (for example using
historical records). Or are linguists just generally averse to reflection?

This session asks 'What is participant observation in linguistic fieldwork?'

Is it:

   - spying on people?
   - writing notes in a notebook?
   - becoming fluent in the language you study?
   - the 'person' you are to the community you work with?

Everybody's fieldsite is very different and everybody relates to the
community they work with differently. So is it really sensible to see
participant observation as a 'technique' alongside other techniques such as
elicitation or is participant observation more just finding a way of being
a linguist in the field?


Ideas for background readings:

Tedlock, Barbara  (1991) From Participant Observation to the Observation of
Participation: The Emergence of Narrative Ethnography  Journal of
Anthropological Research Vol. 47, No. 1 (Spring, 1991), pp. 69-94


Hume, Lynne, and Jane Mulcock ed. 2004. Anthropologists in the field:
Cases in participant observation. New York: Columbia University Press.

http://www.cup.columbia.edu/book/978-0-231-13004-2/anthropologists-in-the-field/tableOfContents


A selection of these will be put on the RNLD website under the listing for
this event, closer to the date. Suggestions for other relevant readings are
welcome.



Date:      Tuesday 29th May

Time:      6:00 - 8:00 pm

Venue:    Upstairs room, Prince Alfred Hotel,

191 Grattan St, Carlton

(corner of Bouverie St)

ph ‪(03) 9347-3033‬‎



             Food and drinks available at the venue.



Contact  Ruth Singer if you have any questions rsinger at unimelb.edu.au



LIP is an occasional gathering of language activists and linguists in

Melbourne. All are welcome. Those in other parts of Australia and the

world who can't make it to the Melbourne LIPs are encouraged to

organise a local gathering to discuss this topic and support language

activities in your area.
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