From Documentation Project to IRB
Date:
This invited talk shares my experience navigating the IRB process for an international language documentation project. I walk through the full arc: from fieldwork design to protocol writing, and from paperwork challenges to ethical reflection.
The project centers on documenting Tikhir, a Trans-Himalayan language spoken in eastern Nagaland. I highlight the realities of working across borders and institutions, especially when your participants are multilingual, your infrastructure is fragile, and your documentation goals don’t quite match standard IRB templates.
What I Covered
- Why IRBs are necessary for field linguists (even when harm is unlikely)
- How I assembled the required components: protocol, consent, recruitment, and study materials
- What caught me off guard (like the need for a local review letter)
- Resources and templates I leaned on
- Lessons for future students navigating similar approval processes
I also reflected on how IRB expectations differ from academic ones: clarity, risk-benefit framing, and audience matter more than disciplinary nuance.
For those preparing a similar application, I’d recommend starting early, being transparent, and framing your work with both academic and participant-centered lenses in mind.
You can learn more about the research that shaped this talk on the Tikhir documentation project page, or browse other talks.
You can also download the slides from this presentation.