Africa is for me a lively continent full of vibrant optimism; it is young and dynamic and at same time the place of origin of mankind. Language is the key to a deeper understanding of its people. What fascinates me in linguistic research is that the method of the search for system in language by necessity involves contact with people and a confrontation with different views and attitudes. Language description requires an understanding of the context within which it is spoken and the wider culture. A solid linguistic analysis may seem straightforward but constantly requires openness to the unexpected.
