PAWS (Parser And Writer for Syntax) is a powerful tool designed to help linguists and local language community members document and understand the syntactic structures of different languages. It achieves this by guiding users through various syntactic issues using web-based multiple-choice questions and requesting example sentences. PAWS then generates drafts of grammar write-ups and syntax files compatible with the PC-PATR syntactic parsing program. This tool addresses the challenge of writing detailed grammars for many of the world’s languages, particularly those that are endangered, by empowering native speakers to contribute directly to the documentation of their languages.

How To Guide

Step 1: Install PAWS

Windows

  1. Download the PAWS installer.
  2. Run the installer as administrator: Right-click on the downloaded file and choose “Run as Administrator.”
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. You will be asked if you want to start PAWS after installation.

Mac OS X

  1. Download the PAWS installer.
  2. Double-click the installer file.
  3. Drag the PAWS icon to the Applications folder. PAWS will now be in your Applications folder.
  4. If prompted about notarization: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General tab. Click “Open Anyway.”

Linux

  1. Download the installer.
  2. Open a Terminal window and navigate to the download location.
  3. Remove previous versions: Type sudo dpkg -r paws and press ENTER.
  4. Install PAWS: Type sudo dpkg -i name_of_the_downloaded_deb_file and press ENTER.

Step 2: Initialize PAWS

  1. Launch PAWS: You will see a dialog indicating that PAWS has not been run on your computer before.
  2. Create a New Language file: Click on the “Create New Language” button.
  3. Save the PAWS answer file: We suggest saving it in your Documents directory under a new folder called “My PAWS.”
  4. Fill in Language Properties: Complete each field with information about your language, then click “Next.”
  5. Configure Answer and Result File Information: Check the kinds of output results you want, adjust locations if necessary, and click “Next.”
  6. Navigate to Main Contents page: You are now set to begin using PAWS.

Step 3: Use PAWS for Grammar Write-Up

  1. Start with the first sections: Work through the initial sections to understand the process.
  2. Generate Writer Output: Click on the “Generate Files” icon to see the generated grammar write-up.

Step 4: Use PAWS with PC-PATR Syntax Files

  1. Initial Set-Up with FLEx:
    • Exit FLEx, read the User Documentation, and install the “Use PC-PATR with FLEx” program.
    • Run FLEx and use the Tools menu to run the “Use PC-PATR with FLEx” utility, which sets up necessary fields and features.
    • Check User Documentation for detailed steps.
  2. Add Feature Names in FLEx:
    • Use Lexicon/Bulk Edit Entries/List Choice to show the custom PCPATR field.
    • Set the Target field to PCPATR and use filters to select the appropriate entries.
    • Choose the necessary feature names and apply them.
  3. Category Mapping:
    • Ensure the category abbreviations in FLEx match those used by PAWS. Adjust in the category mapper if needed.
  4. Processing Test Files:
    • Import test files into FLEx and analyze them, ensuring word categories are included.
    • In the “Use PC-PATR with FLEx” window, select the PAWS-generated grammar file and test it using the provided buttons.
    • Examine results in the PcPatrBrowser tool.

Additional Resources

  • For a comprehensive overview and further reading, see the PowerPoint presentations and technical articles linked in the PAWS Help menu.
  • User Documentation for detailed steps on specific tasks.
  • FLEx and CARLA Studio integration guides.

By simplifying the task of documenting languages, PAWS empowers local communities and linguists to collaborate effectively, fostering community flourishing and the preservation of linguistic heritage.