From June 5, 2024, to June 12, 2024, an intensive fieldwork mission was conducted in the villages of Bunggeta in Mataru Utara, Kilakawada in Mataru Timur, Pelman, and Mobyetang in Kelaisi. This research was led by Adolfina M.S. Moybeka, with the dedicated assistance of Daniel S. Lanma and Benediktus Delpada. The team operated under the expert supervision of George Saad and the late Dra. June Jacob. The primary focus of this fieldwork was twofold: the collection of comprehensive wordlists and the documentation of sociolinguistic phenomena within these communities.
The research had clear objectives. Firstly, it aimed to compile detailed wordlists from the local dialects spoken in these villages. This involved capturing the unique phonetic, lexical, and semantic variations present in each community. Secondly, the project sought to document the sociolinguistic dynamics, including language use patterns, bilingualism, and the attitudes of community members towards different languages and dialects.
Preparation for the fieldwork involved extensive pre-trip research and the organization of necessary materials such as recording devices, questionnaires, and consent forms. During the fieldwork, the team conducted semi-structured interviews with community members across different age groups to gather wordlists and sociolinguistic information. Participant observation was also a key method, allowing the team to observe natural language use in various social contexts. High-quality audio recordings of spoken wordlists and conversations were made to ensure the accuracy and richness of the data collected.
The transcription of the collected data is ongoing, utilizing ELAN software during the OCSEAN Summer School Tartu 2024. This process involves annotating the audio recordings with detailed phonetic transcriptions, segmenting and labeling the recordings to identify specific lexical items and sociolinguistic features. Ensuring transcription accuracy is paramount, and the team is meticulously cross-referencing their transcriptions with field notes and consulting native speakers for verification.
The expected outcomes of this research are manifold. The team anticipates producing comprehensive wordlists that encapsulate the unique lexical items and phonetic characteristics of the dialects spoken in the four villages. Additionally, detailed sociolinguistic profiles of each village will be developed, offering insights into language use, bilingualism, and community attitudes towards different languages and dialects. The creation of a meticulously transcribed database of the collected linguistic data will also be a significant outcome, providing a valuable resource for future research and analysis.
As of now, the team continues to work on the transcription process, with initial findings indicating significant linguistic diversity and complex sociolinguistic dynamics within the communities studied. This fieldwork has yielded invaluable data that will contribute to a deeper understanding of the linguistic and sociolinguistic landscapes of these villages.
Collecting the Wordlist and Sociolinguistics of Abui variant Kilakawada- East Mataru, Mataru District.
Collecting the Wordlist and Sociolinguistics of Abui variant Bunggeta-Wat Mataru, Mataru District.
Recording Wordlist and Sociolinguistics of Abui/Makadai variant Pelman, Soth Alor District.
Recording Wordlists and Sociolinguistics Fieldwork with Lamangwat/Mabiyetang Family at Kalep - Kabailu- Kelaisi, South Alor District.
Respondents are filling the Wordlist.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 873207.
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