How to Analyze Phonetic Data Using Phonology Assistant
Phonology Assistant is a powerful tool developed by SIL International to help linguists analyze phonetic data. This software is especially useful for creating phonetic inventories, generating distribution charts, and searching through phonetic data. By collaborating with local language communities, SIL aims to overcome linguistic barriers and promote community flourishing. This guide will help you get started with Phonology Assistant and utilize its features effectively.
Getting Started
Step 1: Download and Install Phonology Assistant
- Visit the Phonology Assistant download page: Download Phonology Assistant
- Run the installer: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
For additional help, refer to the Getting Started page.
Step 2: Launch Phonology Assistant
- On the desktop: Double-click the Phonology Assistant icon.
- From the Start menu: Click
Start
, navigate toAll Programs
orPrograms
, findSIL Software
, and selectPhonology Assistant
.
Step 3: Create a New Project
- Open Phonology Assistant.
- Create a new project:
- Go to the
File
menu and clickNew Project
. - Fill in the
Project Name
andLanguage
fields.
- Go to the
- Add a data source:
- Click
Add
in the dialog box. - Choose either
FieldWorks Data Source
orNon FieldWorks Data Source
. - Navigate to your data source file and click
Open
.
- Click
Step 4: Save the New Project
- In the New Project Settings dialog box, click
OK
. - Navigate to the folder where you want to save the project and click
Save
. - Confirm the save by clicking
Yes
.
For detailed instructions, see the Online Help and Student Guide.
Adding Data Sources
Step 1: Open Project Settings
- Go to the
File
menu and clickProject Settings
.
Step 2: Add Another Data Source
- Click
Add
and choose eitherFieldWorks Data Source
orNon FieldWorks Data Source
. - Navigate to your data source file and click
Open
. - Click
OK
in the Project Settings dialog box.
Using Features in Phonology Assistant
Generating Charts and Histograms
- Open your project.
- Generate charts:
- Go to the
Analyze
menu and selectGenerate Charts
. - Choose the type of chart (e.g., Rhyme Chart, Onset Chart).
- Go to the
Searching Through Phonetic Data
- Open your project.
- Use the search feature:
- Go to the
Search
menu and selectPhonetic Search
. - Input your search criteria and click
Search
.
- Go to the
Exporting and Listening to Sound Files
- Export charts and search results:
- Go to the
File
menu and selectExport
.
- Go to the
- Listen to sound files:
- Go to the
File
menu and selectPlay Sound File
.
- Go to the
Exiting Phonology Assistant
- On the File menu: Click
Exit
. - Using the window close button: Click
Close
at the upper right of the Phonology Assistant window.
Help and Community Resources
For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting, access the online help or student guide from within Phonology Assistant by pressing F1
, or visit the Online Help page.
By using Phonology Assistant, you are contributing to SIL’s mission of collaborating with language communities to overcome linguistic barriers and promote community flourishing. Together, we can help people thrive using their most valued languages.