Research Methodology
The methodology by which the Himalayan Languages Project conducts research is fieldwork within the theoretical framework generally known as Basic Linguistic Theory. Basic Linguistic Theory is the theoretical framework that is most widely employed in language description, particularly in grammatical descriptions of entire languages. Basic linguistic theory is grounded in traditional grammar, but in contrast to traditional grammar and recent theoretical frameworks, it emphasises the need to describe each language in its own terms, rather than imposing on individual languages concepts whose primary motivation comes from other languages. Basic Linguistic Theory has taken analytic techniques from structuralist traditions, but it contrasts with pure structuralism in that semantic considerations are included.
Linguistic data collected by conducting interviews with two or more selected consultants will supplemented with information obtained outside the interview situation. Data will consist of word lists, paradigms, short phrases, traditional texts such as myths and legends, and stories from daily life, personal experiences and conversations. The text material will be collected by using audio and video tape recordings, and transcribed and translated in situ with the aid of the selected consultants. Since the grammatical structure of a language can only be insufficiently recovered from texts alone, it will be necessary to supplement this material with word lists, phrases and paradigms, which will also be recorded on audiovisual media when needed. To ensure that the material collected represents authentic spoken data, the researcher will work with at least two consultants for each language. Where possible, the researcher will listen to native conversation and to personal use of the elicited forms.
Holistic language documentation
Each language is a conceptual universe unto itself and should be described in its own terms. The approach of one researcher to a language is of maximum professional benefit to the individual investigator. Such efforts make available a large body of detailed and diverse knowledge on vanishing languages and cultures. Holistic documentation provides the most complete and reliable documentation of endangered languages for the scholarly community, the language communities and posterity. The inclusion of a natural text corpus, preferably on audiovisual media, and glossary ensures the most reliable and complete account. Team members are encouraged to document the native lore, legends and oral traditions of the language community.
Language is a complete organism in which regularities and linguistic phenomena at all levels of description are interwoven into one organic whole. Detailed and holistic descriptions yield typological data on fascinating linguistic phenomena and directly benefit the local people. Grammars yield findings of lasting scientific interest, benefit language communities and ameliorate the language endangerment situation. Suffice it to say that a holistic description presumes ambition, perseverance and comprehensiveness. The individual researcher must have a sound training in linguistics, yet remain theoretically neutral. In terms of both linguistics and language typology as well as solving logistic practicalities, each researcher must be versatile and savvy. This is all part of the research philosophy of the programme of the Himalayan Languages Project.