The Linguistic Legacy of H. C. Wolfart
An exploration of his academic career, contributions, and bibliography, focusing on his significant work in linguistics and Indigenous languages.
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About H. C. Wolfart
German-Born Canadian Scholar
Hans Christoph Wolfart, born in Germany in 1943, is a distinguished Canadian researcher, editor, and translator. He holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Linguistics at the University of Manitoba, where he has made significant contributions to the field.
Expertise in Indigenous Languages
Professor Wolfart is particularly renowned for his extensive work on Indigenous languages, especially the Cree language family. His research and publications have been instrumental in documenting, analyzing, and preserving these vital linguistic traditions.
Prolific Academic Output
Throughout his career, Wolfart has authored and edited a substantial body of work, comprising over one hundred books, articles, and reference grammars. His scholarship has significantly advanced the understanding of linguistic structures and cultural contexts.
Academic Foundation
University Training
Professor Wolfart pursued his higher education across several prestigious institutions, laying a robust foundation for his distinguished career in linguistics:
- University of Freiburg
- Yale University
- Cornell University
His doctoral studies culminated in a significant thesis at Yale University.
Doctoral Thesis
In 1969, Wolfart completed his PhD at Yale University with his seminal thesis titled An Outline of Plains Cree Morphology. This work is still recognized as a definitive resource for understanding the grammatical structure of Plains Cree, highlighting his early and enduring impact on the field.
Academic Contributions
Discipline and Focus
Professor Wolfart's primary academic discipline is **Linguistics**. His research has focused extensively on the structure, grammar, and cultural significance of Indigenous languages, particularly within the Algonquian language family.
Institutional Affiliation
For a significant part of his career, Professor Wolfart has been affiliated with the **University of Manitoba**, where he serves as a Distinguished Professor of Linguistics. His tenure there has fostered a rich environment for linguistic scholarship and the training of future linguists.
Mentorship and Influence
Wolfart has mentored numerous students who have gone on to become respected scholars in their own right. Notable among them are Freda Ahenakew, a Cree linguist and cultural preservationist, and David Pentland, an authority on Algonquian languages. His influence extends through his students and his extensive published works.
Recognition and Accolades
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and research, H. C. Wolfart was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) in 1995. This prestigious honor signifies his standing among Canada's leading academics.
Definitive Grammar Work
His 1973 thesis, An Outline of Plains Cree Morphology, remains a cornerstone in the study of Plains Cree grammar. It is widely regarded as the definitive work in the field, underscoring the lasting impact and foundational importance of his early research.
Honoring Scholarship
In 2008, a collection of Algonquian and Iroquoian language studies was published in honor of Professor Wolfart, edited by John D. Nichols and Arden C. Ogg. This volume, titled Nikotwâsik Iskwâhtâmpayih! Studies in Honour of H. C. Wolfart, reflects the deep respect and admiration he commands within the linguistic community.
Selected Bibliography
Key Publications
Professor Wolfart's extensive bibliography includes seminal works on Cree language and linguistics. Here are some notable publications:
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References
References
- Ãh-âyîtaw Isi Ä-kî-kiskÄyihtahkik Maskihkiy/They Knew Both Sides of Medicine ... - H. C. Wolfart - Google Books
- They Knew Both Sides of Medicine | University of Manitoba Press
- University of Manitoba â Faculty of Arts â Linguistics â People
- Linguistics at Manitoba: H.C. Wolfart
- Another good Anthropologist: H.C. Wolfart | That Môniyâw Linguist
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