I first became interested in linguistics when I found out that I could combine the joys and satisfaction of intricate analysis with my love of language. It is fascinating how people are largely unconscious of something as complicated, all encompassing, and critical to their lives as language. When people ask me what linguistics is, and I tell them that it is the study of how language works, I am often answered by puzzled expressions.
People are surprised that the question can even be asked.
My area of research is the Himalayan region. There are dozens of languages there which are still undescribed, and many more which have only minimal documentation. In some cases, language communities are dwindling and the languages face extinction. It is important that we describe as many of these languages as possible, and also to train native speakers in techniques of language documentation and preservation. I find fieldwork to be both difficult and immensely satisfying.