For each language we have studied we have established a case file that contains additional features of interest to linguists studying that particular language, including an anaphora sketch, a grammar sketch, a consultant profile, a translated narrative and the static (.pdf) version of the AQ response that provides further context for the data provided in the database.

The Grammar Sketch is a short document that acts as a guide to major constructions and paradigms that will be useful background for anyone interested in the data that we have collected in more detail. The anaphora sketch is our analysis of the patterns of anaphora that emerge from the data we present. Either in the grammar sketch or presented separately, we include a bibliography. Although we are just beginning to collect them, we expect each case file to contain a short narrative, typically a folktale, fully glossed and translated, as a separate document in static (.pdf) form, although all the sentences in it will also be entered into the database. Finally, there will be a profile of the consultant involved (those who do not choose to remain anonymous) and links to sites of linguistic or cultural interest for those who are interested in the language of the case file.

The static AQRs are stored in our case files as .pdfs. Since we provide the data we draw our conclusions from, we hope we are providing enough information so that those with different interests can pursue them, or those who think we have got it wrong can make the case that we have erred. The static AQRs include much of our native speaker consultant commentary in the context of the section where it is introduced, and so much more of this useful commentary is to be found in the static AQR than in the database. Moreover, it would be a good idea to consult the static AQR, if it is available, for any sentences you might use in research, as there are sometimes additional features that did not fit neatly into our database. It is usually the case that if there is any discrepancy of form between the AQR sentence and the corresponding sentence in the database, it is the database form that is generally correct (or at least most carefully vetted). Since the .pdf files do not permit you to lift examples, use the database for this purpose. Make sure, however, that you have the right character representation, which you will be alerted to in ‘About this Case File.’

As just mentioned, every case file includes a feature, ‘About This Case File,’ which should be read before any material in that file is cited or treated as raw data. ‘About This Case File’ includes information about the completeness of the AQR data, the completeness of other features in the file, any orthographic issues that need to be taken account of, or any other issue about the structure of the data, the elicitation, or the analysis that needs to be taken into consideration by users. Sometimes there is also information about when we anticipate that additional features will be added to the case file.