Step 2: Search

Once TextGrid files are indexed (see Step 1: Index TextGrids), you can search for specific words or patterns within them. This is essential for the tasks discussed in Step 3: Tasks.

Searching for specific words

In Fig. 11, the dialog box is configured to search for all labels that match the word “pipa” within the “words” tier.

1. Open Search window: Go to Finder > Search.

2. Specify search:

   • Tier name: Select the tier to search (e.g., “words”).

   • Search for: Enter the word (e.g., “papa”).

   • Mode: Choose is equal to for exact matches.

3. Run search: Click OK.

4. View results: Check the Praat Info window for matches.

5. View results: .

Fig. 11 The Search window

Fig. 12 Results in the Praat Info after running the Search command

Searching for all items:

To search for all transcribed items (non-empty items) in a specific tier, follow the same steps as above, but leave the Search for field empty and choose is not equal to in the Mode options.

Fig. 13 Search window

Fig. 14 Results in the Praat Info after running the Search command

Using Regular Expressions (advanced):

1. Enable matches (regex) mode in the Search window.

2. Use patterns like p[ae]pa to match both “papa” and “pepa”.

3. See the Praat Regular Expressions Tutorial for more details.

Fig. 15 The Search window

Fig. 16 Results in the Praat Info after running the Search command

Now you are ready for Step 3: Tasks.