a database of language word list data with audio samples
for analysis and historical and comparative linguistic reconstruction.

Terms of Service

ComparaLex is governed by the philosophical and ethical principles of the CBOLD Bantuists' Manifesto in commitment to scholarly and ethical research.

Before you begin using ComparaLex, you must read and agree to these ComparaLex Terms of Service.

Making the data upon which scientific conclusions are based available to other researchers is an essential part of the research process. Results cannot be verified or improved unless we provide our colleagues with this information. The ComparaLex team, submitters and all users agree to the following principles with respect to data submitted to ComparaLex:

• Submitters provide data in electronic format for use by others (to the extent reasonably possible).
• Users acknowledge any use made of data obtained from ComparaLex according to the normal conventions of scholarship.
• Users make no commercial use of data obtained from ComparaLex, except by prior and specific written agreement with the submitters of the data.
• The ComparaLex team will post data to its database server and will present to database users all acknowledgements and copyright restrictions provided by the submitter.
• The ComparaLex team is held harmless for any errors or misuse of data that might occur.

The above principles are adapted from the CBOLD Bantuists' Manifesto.

The term “ComparaLex” as used in the following sections, refers to the ComparaLex project and its website, the personnel that support the project, Canada Institute of Linguistics and any of its affiliated organizations.

A user-friendly summary of the fine print

• ComparaLex may disappear as a service at any time and without notice.
• ComparaLex and its affiliates are not responsible for or liable for any data submission or misuse of submitted data.
• The services of ComparaLex are to be used ethically and for scholarly non-commercial purposes only.
• ComparaLex does not own the data and does not guarantee or ensure the accuracy or quality of submitted data.
• Data submitters grant ComparaLex permission to publicly post the data on the internet. Data may be downloaded by ComparaLex users.
• Data submitters have exercised due diligence in acquiring permissions of data sources where possible and copyright holders to distribute the data.
• ComparaLex will not sell your personal information or data.
• ComparaLex will not publish your personal information on the internet without your permission.
• Use ComparaLex at your own risk.

The Fine Print:

Although we may attempt to notify you when major changes are made to these ComparaLex Terms of Service, you should periodically review the most up-to-date version. ComparaLex may, in its sole discretion, modify or revise these Terms of Service and policies at any time, and you agree to be bound by such modifications or revisions. If you do not accept and abide by this Agreement, you may not use the ComparaLex service.

1. Description of Service

   ComparaLex is an online linguistic data repository for use by language researchers. You will be responsible for all activities occurring under your username and for keeping your password secure.

2. Continuity of Service

   You understand and agree that ComparaLex is provided to you on an AS IS and AS AVAILABLE basis. ComparaLex disclaims all responsibility and liability for the availability, timeliness, security or reliability of ComparaLex or any other client software. ComparaLex also reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue ComparaLex with or without notice at any time and without any liability to you.

   ComparaLex reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time without notice for any reason.

3. Proper Use

   You agree that you are responsible for your own use of ComparaLex, for any data and media files that you submit, and for any consequences thereof. You agree that you will use ComparaLex in compliance with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, rules and regulations, including any laws regarding the transmission of technical data exported from your country of residence.

   Much of the content of ComparaLex including the contents of specific data submissions -- is provided by and is the responsibility of the person or people who submitted the data. ComparaLex does not guarantee the accuracy or quality of the transcriptions and media files.

   We expect that you will use caution and common sense and exercise proper judgment when using ComparaLex. You acknowledge that any reliance on material posted via ComparaLex will be at your own risk.

4. Privacy

   ComparaLex will not sell your information for any reason whatsoever. In the event that ComparaLex is required to disclose your personal information in order to comply with any valid legal process or governmental request (such as a search warrant, subpoena, statute, or court order), you agree that ComparaLex may do so.

5. General Practices Regarding Use and Storage

   You agree that ComparaLex has no responsibility or liability for the deletion of, or the failure to store or to transmit, any Content and other communications maintained by ComparaLex. ComparaLex retains the right to create limits on use and storage at our sole discretion at any time with or without notice.

6. Content of ComparaLex

   ComparaLex takes no responsibility for third-party content (including, without limitation, any viruses or other disabling features), nor does ComparaLex have any obligation to monitor such third-party content. ComparaLex reserves the right at all times to remove or refuse to distribute any content on ComparaLex, such as content which violates the terms of this Agreement. ComparaLex will not be responsible or liable for the exercise or non-exercise of its rights under this Agreement.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

   ComparaLex claims no ownership over any data submissions. You retain all copyright to any Content you submit and you are responsible for abiding by and protecting those rights, as appropriate. By submitting data through ComparaLex services which are intended to be available to the members of the public, you grant ComparaLex permission to post your data submissions publicly on the internet through the ComparaLex site.

8. No Resale of ComparaLex data

   Unless expressly authorized in writing by ComparaLex and the copyright holder of the data, you agree not to use the data or media files for any commercial purposes whatsoever.

9. Representations and Warranties

   You represent and warrant that (a) all of the information provided by you to ComparaLex is accurate and true to the extent of your knowledge; and (b) you have all necessary right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform the acts required of you hereunder.

10. Termination; Suspension

    ComparaLex exists to facilitate scholarly collaboration and research. Although unlikely, if necessary, ComparaLex may, in its sole discretion, at any time and for any reason, terminate ComparaLex, terminate this Agreement, or suspend or terminate your account. In the event of termination, your account will be disabled and you may not be granted access to your account or any files or other content contained in your account although residual copies of information may remain in our system for some time for back-up purposes.

11. Indemnification

    You agree to hold harmless and indemnify ComparaLex, and its affiliates from and against any third-party claim arising from or in any way related to any data you submit or your use of ComparaLex, including any liability or expense arising from all claims, losses, damages (actual and consequential), suits, judgments, litigation costs and attorneys' fees, of every kind and nature.