Documenting Ekegusii

This chapter illustrates the implementation of a model of collaboration between community and linguists in which the practical goals of the community and the research goals are viewed as complementary to each other and not in competition. The goal of this project was the construction of a dictionary of the Ekugusii (Narrow Bantu) language. Compiling the dictionary involved consultation and collaboration with the Abagusii community, detailed documentation of linguistic patterns, and practical planning about how the project could be completed. The chapter outlines the steps taken in the course of the project to encourage community input and participation, ensure the creation of a product useful to both community and researchers, and establish a relationship with the community in which long-term collaboration is a desired outcome.