You're studying language acquisition in the field. How can you make sure you're using the best tools?

1 Plan your goals

Before you go to the field, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to study and how you want to study it. What are your research questions? What are your hypotheses? What are your methods? How will you collect, analyze, and store your data? Planning your goals will help you decide what kind of tools you need and how to use them effectively.

2 Choose your tools

There are many tools available for studying language acquisition in the field, but not all of them are suitable for every situation. You need to consider factors such as the accessibility, reliability, portability, and affordability of your tools. For example, you might want to use a digital recorder, a laptop, a microphone, a camera, and a transcription software. But do you have enough battery power, memory space, and backup options? Do you have permission and consent to use these devices in your field site? Do you have the skills and training to operate them? Do you have the budget to buy or rent them? Choose your tools wisely and test them before you go.

3 Adapt to the field

Once you're in the field, you might encounter some challenges and opportunities that require you to adapt your tools and methods. For example, you might have to deal with noise, weather, interference, or technical issues that affect your recording quality. You might also find new sources of data, such as texts, artifacts, or gestures, that you didn't plan to collect. You might also have to adjust your ethical and cultural practices, such as respecting the privacy, dignity, and autonomy of your participants. Be flexible and creative, but also respectful and responsible, when you use your tools in the field.

4 Analyze your data

After you collect your data, you need to analyze it and interpret it in relation to your research questions and hypotheses. There are many tools that can help you with this process, such as software for transcription, annotation, coding, statistics, visualization, and qualitative analysis. However, these tools are not magic; they require you to have a good understanding of the theoretical and methodological frameworks that guide your analysis. You also need to be critical and transparent about your assumptions, choices, and limitations when you use these tools.

5 Share your results

Finally, you need to share your results with your peers, your participants, and the public. There are many tools that can help you with this task, such as software for presentation, publication, archiving, and dissemination. However, these tools are not enough; you also need to have good communication skills and ethical standards when you share your results. You need to be clear, concise, and coherent when you present your findings and arguments. You also need to be honest, respectful, and accountable when you acknowledge your sources, collaborators, and contributions.

6 Learn from your experience

Studying language acquisition in the field is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. You can learn a lot from your experience, not only about language and culture, but also about yourself and your tools. You can use your experience to improve your skills, knowledge, and practice as a researcher and a linguist. You can also use your experience to inspire others, especially young and aspiring linguists, to pursue their own interests and passions in the field.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?