Step by step instruction

On this page you can find a brief step-by-step instruction on how to collect data according to the TALD methodology.

Step 1 - Create a folder

Make a folder for your feature in the archive and copy the feature template in it.

Step 2 - Add data

Collect information for each language in the feature template. Fill all required columns (see Feature datasets > List of columns for an explanation of the column names).

• We collect data from descriptive literature, which you can find in our library.

  • In our literature database you can find bibliographical information about the source, as well as information on which idioms are represented in the sources (on the sheet source type and idiom, columns idiom and type).
    
    

• If you want to use a source that is not in the library yet:

  • Submit information about the source via this form. Each source should be assigned a bibtexkey – a unique identifier that allows us to easily cite sources across the Atlas. See Feature datasets > Literature references > Adding new literature on how to construct a key. Be sure to check whether the key is already taken.

  • Upload the source to the appropriate folder in the library. Use the bibtexkey as a filename.

Step 3 - Write a chapter

Write an introductory chapter about your feature in rmarkdown using our chapter template. See Writing a chapter for more detailed guidelines.

Step 4 - Check your files

By the end of the work, your folder in the archive should contain the following things:

• your feature table, with the name of your feature as filename
• your chapter text (in .rmd format; optionally a draft version in doc format)
• a table with references used in your text, filename: YOURFEATURE_bib
• a copy of the TALD author agreement, filled out and signed
• make sure the filenames of your feature table, text, and references are the same, e.g. evidentialtytense.xlsx (data), evidentialitytense.rmd (text), evidentialitytense_bib.xlsx (chapter references)

Don’t forget to add the date on which you submit your finished work to us in the date column of your feature table!

Step 5 - Changes after publication

What to do if you want to make changes to your data or chapter after it has been published?

• make the changes in your dataset table, or in the latest version of your text
• if possible, make changes to the text in the final rmd version
• otherwise, make changes in the doc version, and clearly mark the changes with yellow
• write a short description of the changes you made
• alert Chiara or Samira about these changes and send them the description

We will keep you updated about the publication of the new version.