Native Languages Center
Language Documentation Workshop
Module 3:
Digital Technology
- Module 3 Progress44%
Software to Create Documentation
Creating documentation can be done almost entirely with hardware and software your institution or organization already has. However, as noted, you may need to find or build a custom keyboard system to make it easier to type your language (orthography) if your project involves this type of documentation. Keyboard systems should be able to be used on any device for ability of generating consistent outputs (e.g. everyone uses the same symbol for a “glottal stop”).
*See the handouts and resources at the end of this module for more information and links to various programs discussed here.
| Documentation Type | Software | Platform | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written | Keyman Developer Language Geek |
Keyman – Windows only Language Geek – all platforms |
used to create orthographies |
| Audio | Praat Audacity |
Both work on: Windows, iOS, Linux |
used to edit audio files, tag metadata |
| Video | OBS, iMovie, Adobe Premiere |
OBS – Windows, iOS, Linux iMovie – iOS Adobe – Windows, iOS |
used to edit video files |
| Images | GIMP Adobe Suite Canva |
GIMP – Windows, iOS, Linux Adobe – Windows, iOS Canva – web based |
used to create images, documents |
Keyboard Orthographies
If you want or need to develop a keyboard for your language project there are some options available. Keyman Developer is a user-friendly option if you are starting from scratch. It does take some time and a bit of training to create a keyboard using this software, but the software has documents and tutorials to help with this process. Creating a keyboard through this program can be done in as little as 3-4 hours of time. Keyman is a Windows only program, but once the keyboards have been created, they can be used and shared across other platforms.
Another option for keyboards is Language Geek This is a website that already has many keyboard orthographies already developed. There are instructions on how to download and use. This may be a good place to start if you do not have a keyboard—there may already be an option developed.
Audio Recording & Editing
Two of the most common programs used for audio are Praat and Audacity.
Praat
Praat is an excellent application to use for phonetic analysis and technology development. Praat is designed and maintained by and for linguists, and is optomised for processing audio of human voices. Praat even has its own scripting language, which lets you automate certain processes (like background noise reduction, utterance segmentation, etc).
Audacity
Audacity is a more general-use audio recording and editing application – it can be used for anything including voice recordings, music, and other kinds of audio work.
Video Recording & Editing
There are many options for video, but a few commonly used and easily accessible ones are listed here.
iMovie
iMovie comes standard on the iOS and is relatively easy to learn to use. There is not a licensing fee, but is platform specific.
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Premiere requires a license or purchase to use and can be used on both Windows and iOS. It does take a bit of training to learn to use effectively. It is by far the most advanced and user-friendly application for both video and image processing. Higher computer processing speed and higher storage space are needed for the program to run efficiently.
Open Broadcasting Studio
OBS or Open Broadcasting Studio is an open-source application. It is a large-scale project that supports content creators working in the social media arena and it has options for recording and editing video. OBS allows you to set up multiple video inputs, do camera recordings as well as screen captures, add graphical elements, and edit video clips.
Image Processing
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a common program for image processing and editing. As with other Adobe products a license or purchase is required.
GIMP
GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is an alternative option and is open-source. The learning curve for this program is about similar to that of Adobe Photoshop.