SayMore is a powerful tool designed to help researchers, linguists, and community members document and manage language resources effectively. It simplifies the process of collecting, organizing, and archiving language data, making it accessible even for those who might not be experts in technology. This guide will walk you through the basics of using SayMore to manage your language documentation projects.

Introduction to SayMore

SayMore is a software tool developed to streamline the documentation of languages. This tool is particularly useful for individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting linguistic diversity. With its user-friendly interface, SayMore allows you to collect, organize, and archive language data, ensuring that valuable linguistic resources are preserved for future generations. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started with SayMore.

How to Manage Language Documentation Using SayMore

1. Setting Up Your Project

  1. Download and Install SayMore: Visit SayMore Downloads to download the latest version. Make sure you have .Net 4.6.2 or later installed on your Windows machine.
  2. Create a New Project: Open SayMore and click on the Project tab. Enter metadata about your project, such as the language name, location, and other relevant details.
  3. Access Project Protocols and Charts: Under the Project tab, you can choose and access protocols and view charts of your progress.

2. Collecting Session Data

  1. Navigate to the Sessions Tab: This is where you’ll manage all files and metadata for each language recording event.
  2. Add New Sessions: Click on the New From Device button to import media files from your recording device or memory card. SayMore will remember the device location for future use.
  3. Organize Files and Metadata: Each file in a session has its own tab for metadata and notes. You can add custom fields to suit your needs.

3. Managing Participant Information

  1. Go to the People Tab: Collect information about each participant in your sessions.
  2. Enter Participant Data: Fill in metadata, optionally add a picture, and make any notes. Ensure you add evidence of their informed consent, such as a signed form or an audio/video recording.

4. File Management

  1. File Formats and Organization: SayMore supports various file formats and overlays a helpful interface over a normal set of folders and files. Metadata is stored in simple XML files.
  2. Naming Files: Maintain consistent and informative naming conventions for your files. SayMore can automatically rename files based on your naming conventions.
  3. Media File Properties: SayMore simplifies the process of recording technical details of your recordings.

5. File Processing

  1. Convert Media Files: SayMore can extract MP3 files from video files, which is useful for transcription or analysis.

6. Transcription and Translation

  1. Transcription Tools: SayMore offers easy-to-use transcription tools. Click on the Annotations tab to start transcribing your recordings.
  2. BOLD Tools: If you are into Basic Oral Language Documentation (BOLD), SayMore provides tools for oral transcription and translation.

7. Exporting Your Data

  1. Export Options: When you’re ready to move on to the next stage, SayMore helps you export your data in the required formats. Check the Export popup menu for options.

8. Archiving Your Project

  1. Archiving Tools: SayMore makes it easy to package all files and metadata for submission to an internet archive, such as SIL’s Language and Culture Archive or one using the IMDI standard. Navigate to the Archive Using IMDI dialog box for options.

Additional Resources

  • Fixing Creation Dates: Use SKTimeStamp to add a tab to the Properties dialog of the file in Windows Explorer, allowing you to fix incorrect creation dates.
  • Trimming Videos: For trimming videos, consider tools like Avidemux or Free Video Editor.
  • Subtitling Videos: Export transcriptions from SayMore for subtitling using tools like Camtasia Studio. Take advantage of educational discounts if eligible.
  • RAMP for SIL Members: Use RAMP to prepare packages for archival to REAP, SIL’s internal archival repository. Download RAMP here.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to efficiently managing your language documentation projects with SayMore. Remember, the ultimate goal is to help language communities thrive using their most valued languages. For more detailed instructions, you may refer to the included links or additional documentation.