[RNLD List] Timeframes for Dictionaries

Wed May 26 08:17:51 UTC 2021

Don't despair! Yes, it can be a lifelong process (and should be open to
updating anyway). But one of my MA students produced a small dictionary
from archived materials for her MA dissertation. The dissertation describes
the process and decisions made in detail. I'm copying her in (bcc) - she
might be willing to share it with you.

Best wishes
Julia

On Wed, 26 May 2021 at 06:40, Harley Dunolly-Lee <
harley.dunollylee123 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Heyy thank you for your feedback.
>
> Sounds like it will take awhile. I appreciate this :)
>
> On Thu, 20 May 2021, 6:23 pm Jane Simpson, <jansimps at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Good list from Jacqui.
>> I'd just add
>> Take a word, time how long it takes you to write a definition for that
>> word with all the information that you want to give about it in the
>> dictionary.
>>  Then multiply that  time by the number of words you think you have.
>> Then double that time for.. deciding that you need to make a particular
>> change across all the entries,
>> And maybe triple it for finding your software doesn't work properly,
>> Quadruple it for doing an English finder list   (and all the discoveries
>> you make along the way that mean you then change your earlier entries).
>> And add in extra time for writing the introductory material, getting
>> photographs of the people who worked on the dictionary or who provided
>> material, getting a good map etc.....  deciding on a cover picture...
>>
>>
>> On Thu, May 20, 2021 at 3:06 PM Jacqui Cook <linguist at irrawangga.org.au>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Harley,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> It depends on the community and on how far along you are in
>>> understanding the language and getting the material together. Several years
>>> for most cases, in my experience! A few key questions that will help you to
>>> estimate how much further you have to go:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>    1. Have you had community workshops to decide how you’re going to
>>>    write it down?
>>>    2. Do you have recordings or are you working off old wordlists? It’s
>>>    much easier to know what sounds are in the language if you have at least
>>>    some recordings.
>>>    3. Do you have all the words written out using a community approved
>>>    writing system? This can take a surprising amount of time!
>>>    4. Have you figured out what grammatical information you have and
>>>    what is missing? If you have a lot missing, are you going to talk to TOs of
>>>    related languages about borrowing some of their grammatical material?
>>>    5. Do you know how the grammar works or are you still analysing it?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> We have been 2 years doing just a dictionary reprint in sound for 2 of
>>> the languages here! So it can definitely take time...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Good luck!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Jacqui Cook*
>>>
>>> Linguist, Bundiyarra - Irra Wangga Language Centre
>>>
>>> p: 08 9920 7900| e: linguist at irrawangga.org.au | w: www.bundiyarra.com
>>> <https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bundiyarra.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmaia.ponsonnet%40uwa.edu.au%7C07df0fc7556c48f255db08d827a571c7%7C05894af0cb2846d8871674cdb46e2226%7C1%7C0%7C637302938825906677&sdata=aqpIUkC%2FUOUozNmd1EH61ll6wHfqmJR1rQ6CAKR9E5w%3D&reserved=0>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From: *Harley Dunolly-Lee <harley.dunollylee123 at gmail.com>
>>> *Sent: *Thursday, 20 May 2021 12:58 PM
>>> *To: *resource-network-linguistic-diversity at listserv.linguistlist.org
>>> *Subject: *[RNLD List] Timeframes for Dictionaries
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hello fellow speech crafts
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I am emailing to ask what is the average timeframe for a dictionary word
>>> list including grammar for languages that are sleeping??
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Resource-network-linguistic-diversity mailing list
>>> Resource-network-linguistic-diversity at listserv.linguistlist.org
>>>
>>> http://listserv.linguistlist.org/mailman/listinfo/resource-network-linguistic-diversity
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jane Simpson
>> Private e-mail
>>
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-- 
Julia Sallabank
Professor of Language Policy and Revitalisation,
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
SOAS, University of London,
London WC1H 0XG, UK

Tel. +44 (0)20 7898 4326
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8662-6228 <http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8662-6228>

I am now working 30 hours per week.

*New Open Access book out now!*
*Revitalizing Endangered Languages: A Practical Guide *
Edited by Justyna Olko, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Poland, and Julia Sallabank
Full Open Access paid for by EU Horizon 2020 project Engaged Humanities.
https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/languages-linguistics/research-methods-linguistics/revitalizing-endangered-languages-practical-guide?format=HB
Available free online as Gold Open Access:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/revitalizing-endangered-languages/ADCBBA31190F259BA13525C769E92A9A

*Now out in paperback!*
*Attitudes to Endangered Languages: Identities and Policies*
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