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

  1. Visit the Phonology Assistant download page: Download Phonology Assistant
  2. 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

  1. On the desktop: Double-click the Phonology Assistant icon.
  2. From the Start menu: Click Start, navigate to All Programs or Programs, find SIL Software, and select Phonology Assistant.

Step 3: Create a New Project

  1. Open Phonology Assistant.
  2. Create a new project:
    • Go to the File menu and click New Project.
    • Fill in the Project Name and Language fields.
  3. Add a data source:
    • Click Add in the dialog box.
    • Choose either FieldWorks Data Source or Non FieldWorks Data Source.
    • Navigate to your data source file and click Open.

Step 4: Save the New Project

  1. In the New Project Settings dialog box, click OK.
  2. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the project and click Save.
  3. Confirm the save by clicking Yes.

For detailed instructions, see the Online Help and Student Guide.

Adding Data Sources

Step 1: Open Project Settings

  1. Go to the File menu and click Project Settings.

Step 2: Add Another Data Source

  1. Click Add and choose either FieldWorks Data Source or Non FieldWorks Data Source.
  2. Navigate to your data source file and click Open.
  3. Click OK in the Project Settings dialog box.

Using Features in Phonology Assistant

Generating Charts and Histograms

  1. Open your project.
  2. Generate charts:
    • Go to the Analyze menu and select Generate Charts.
    • Choose the type of chart (e.g., Rhyme Chart, Onset Chart).

Searching Through Phonetic Data

  1. Open your project.
  2. Use the search feature:
    • Go to the Search menu and select Phonetic Search.
    • Input your search criteria and click Search.

Exporting and Listening to Sound Files

  1. Export charts and search results:
    • Go to the File menu and select Export.
  2. Listen to sound files:
    • Go to the File menu and select Play Sound File.

Exiting Phonology Assistant

  1. On the File menu: Click Exit.
  2. 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.