Digital Platform for Collecting Online Language Data (DOLD) Launched by the Centre for Research on Linguistics and Language Studies

In collaboration with the Department of Linguistics and Modern Language Studies (LML), the Centre for Research on Linguistics and Language Studies (CRLLS) developed a web-based application – Digital Platform for Collecting Online Language Data (DOLD) (https://crlls.eduhk.hk/dold/) for conducting online language experiments and surveys. This new tool allows efficient data collection from speakers of different languages worldwide. The effort aligns with the Faculty’s latest focus in digital humanities, enhancing our digital research capacity and fostering regional and international research collaboration. Key features of DOLD include:  

1. Compatibility with various stimulus materials and response data types; 
2. A simple and flexible structure for researchers to design their own data-collection task package; 
3. Only minimal manual control is required during the process of data collection; 
4. Secure cloud-based storage and data access; and 
5. No prior installation is required 

On 24 May 2023, CRLLS and LML co-hosted a hybrid workshop titled “Introduction to DOLD: A Tool for Conducting Language Experiments and Surveys Online” for EdUHK staff and students. Dr Lai Yik Po, the Co-Principal Project Supervisor of the DOLD project, led the event, with 22 participants—14 online and eight in-person. The registration record shows that colleagues interested in this workshop are from various departments, including LML, Department of Chinese Language Studies (CHL), Department of English Language Education (ELE), Department of Special Education & Counselling (SEC), Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE), Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) and Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology (LTTC).  

The workshop provided participants with a hands-on introduction to DOLD. It began with Dr Lai introducing the features and application examples of the tool, followed by a trial DOLD experiment in which the participants acted as experimentees. Dr Lai then provided step-by-step guidance on how to set up a story-telling task with a background survey using the tool. He also discussed the advantages of this approach to data collection, highlighting its ability to enable remote data collection and ensure a high level of standardisation for the process. The engaged audience actively asked questions and discussed potential applications of the tool with Dr Lai.

Introduction to DOLD by Dr Lai

Hands-on session during the workshop