RVN Webinar Series - Revitalising documentary archives: Exploring methods of digital distribution

Note: This talk has not gone through a process of peer review, and
findings should therefore be treated as preliminary and subject to change.

How to cite: Van Ravenhorst, Jeroen & Nicolas Lotman. 2024. Revitalising documentary archives: Exploring methods of digital distribution. Talk given at the Rift Valley Network Webinar Series. 29/05/2024.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11581647

Abstract: Language documentation or documentary linguistics is concerned with compiling long lasting multipurpose records of natural language (Himmelmann 1998; 2006; Austin & Grenoble 2007). Austin (2010) identifies five components of language documentation practice, the last component being “mobilisation”, which deals with the “creation, publication and distribution of outputs, in a range of formats for a range of different users and uses” (2010: 19). In practice, language documentation outputs tend to remain obscure to the community, being hidden in user-unfriendly online archives, even though the materials themselves are potentially of great value and interest to the community. It is therefore crucial that the documentary linguist recognises their responsibility beyond compiling and archiving of materials, ensuring that the outputs are accessible for the speaker community.

In this presentation, we firstly aim to elaborate on the current definition of mobilisation as given by Austin (2010). Then, taking a modernising setting into account, we suggest practical ways to share and promote documentary outputs digitally among communities in accessible, usable, and digestible formats. We also highlight the importance of localised solutions which account for local means of access, compatibility of platforms, and related issues such as varying rates of (digital) literacy in sharing the documentary materials. Finally, to help ensure better outreach and community awareness of the materials, we stress the benefits of cooperating with active and digitally literate community members who have existing networks of digital content distribution.

References:
Austin, P. K., & Grenoble, L. A. (2007). Current trends in language documentation. Language documentation and description, 4.
Austin, P. K. (2010). Current issues in language documentation. Language documentation and description, 7.
Himmelmann, N. P. (1998). Documentary and descriptive linguistics. Linguistics, 36(1), 161-196.
Himmelmann, N. P. (2006). Language documentation What is it and what is it good for. Essentials of language documentation, 178(1).