This course teaches how to document an unfamiliar language by interacting with a person who speaks it natively. Over the course of the term students will gain some familiarity with the phonology, morphology and syntax of the language while developing techniques for studying a new language more generally and approaching a language consultant. In addition, students will learn about practical issues in linguistic fieldwork. Students will approach the investigation with a clean slate, treating the language as though it had never been documented before. Together they will develop a dictionary, grammatical sketch and traveler's phrase book for the language. Coursework will take place on the Geneseo campusin the morning, and fieldwork will be at Mary's Place in Rochester in the afternoon.
Mary's Place is a Refugee Outreach Center located in the Northwest Maplewood are of Rochester, at 414 Lexington Avenue. They offer ESL tutoring, homework assistance, on-premises case work, food and clothing, and in conjunction with the Rochester Refugee Resettlement Program, resettlement services, and a host of other services in response to the collective needs of refugees in a holistic and culturally appropriate manner ensuring their successful integration, fostering their independence and promoting their earliest possible self-sufficiency. The most recent refugee community to be sered by Mary's Place is from Nepal, and it is with them that this field work will take place. In addition to coursework and service work, students will visit local attractions in Rochester: Strong Museum of Play, Eastman House, Public Market, Rochester Museum of Science, the Strasenburgh Planetarium, and the Susan B. Anthony House.