Expanding the possibilities of linguistic research
(workshop and doctoral students of Al-Farabi University)
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is one of the important research institutes in Kazakhstan. It provides training and improvement of theoretical knowledge and their practical applications for undergraduates and postgraduates in many scientific and professional fields of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakh National University is rightfully considered a student city, which provides its young scientists with comfortable dormitories, as well as a library with a large amount of literature on site. Students and young scientists visit the library to collect the necessary information to complete a specific task. It is especially important for undergraduates to make samples of information and research work on a regular basis for personal scientific activities.
In the ever-changing landscape of linguistic research, the integration of digital tools has become indispensable, revolutionizing the way data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted. The seminar “Analysis and Processing of Linguistic Data”, held on November 27, 2023, served as evidence of the key role that these tools play in increasing the effectiveness and depth of linguistic research. The organizers and moderators of the speech were undergraduates of the 2nd year of Linguistics Kasanova Z., Kaidaulova Z., Urazbaeva S., Aset K.. Among the organizers of the event were the teachers of the Department of Turkology and Theory of Language Ibrayeva Zh.K., Nabieva G.S. Zhaksylykkyzy K. The event was held within the framework of the SDG program "Quality Education" of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This workshop was held for master's and doctoral students of the specialties "Foreign language: two foreign languages", "Linguistics" and "Turkology".
At its core, the use of digital tools provides linguists with a multifaceted set of skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern language analysis. The seminar explained the imperative nature of skills such as data analysis, critical interpretation of oral and written speech, and the distinction between primary and secondary linguistic data. These competencies form the foundation on which a comprehensive linguistic analysis is built.
During the conversation, various applications designed for processing linguistic data were highlighted, each of which offers unique functionality that greatly simplifies the research process. One such application, webscrapping, has changed the rules of the game by rapidly processing huge amounts of data, saving linguists from the difficult task of manual data entry and statistical analysis. The practical demonstration highlighted its effectiveness in scientific work, demonstrating its potential to accelerate research. In addition, the workshop demonstrated Tableau, a versatile software that allows researchers to analyze various types of data and produce comprehensive reports in minutes. The accessibility and flexibility of data presentation epitomize the transformative power of digital tools that contribute to a deeper understanding of linguistic phenomena. Zotero, the open source software discussed during the session, illustrates the importance of organization and accessibility in academic classes. Its ability to compile citations, store various types of files, and compile personal bibliographies serves as a guideline for effective data management, allowing scientists to effortlessly dig into a huge amount of resources.
Moreover, the undergraduate's explanation of the main stages of linguistic research highlighted how these digital tools complement and enhance each stage. From setting research objectives to analyzing data and drawing final conclusions, the smooth integration of these tools optimizes the entire research trajectory, contributing to a more structured and effective approach.
The overarching importance of these digital tools lies not only in their ability to accelerate research, but also in democratizing access to resources. Their accessibility ensures that researchers, regardless of their institutional affiliation, can use these tools to conduct thorough research. Such inclusivity catalyzes innovation and contributes to the creation of an ecosystem of cooperation within the linguistic community.
In conclusion, the seminar served as a visual reminder of the irreplaceable role that digital tools play in modern linguistic research. Their ability to expand the skill set, optimize data processing, and democratize access to information underscores their key importance in pushing the boundaries of linguistic analysis. As these tools continue to evolve, their integration will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in unraveling the intricacies of language, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of linguistics.
Master’s degree student in Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages at the Department of Turkology and Language Theory of the Faculty of Philology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Melnikova Valeriya
Doctor of philology, associate Professor Ibrayeva Zhanar Kulmatovna