23 - Planning a language-documentation project

Summary

This chapter lays out a general plan for structuring a documentation project, with examples from different geographical areas. Language documentation projects can be very varied, both in scope and outcomes. It begins with some principles of project planning and design. These are some of the most important considerations when beginning a documentation project. The chapter then explains funding, including identifying sources of funding support and preparing an application. There are certain elements which are common to all documentation projects. The commonalities include the people, money and infrastructure, timelines, timeframes and workflows, and tasks and outcomes. Once the necessary background investigation and preparation is done, funding becomes easier. Documentation projects can be broken down into initial planning stage, pilot phase, main project phase, completion and evaluation. Project outcomes can be classified into tangible and intangible outcomes, evaluating the project, and foundations for future projects.