New language focus for Ancient Cultures research
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Dr Trevor Evans |
Language specialist Dr Trevor Evans has brought an enhanced linguistic focus to the Ancient Cultures Concentration of Research Excellence (CORE) at Macquarie University.
Evans, who joined the Department of Ancient History in mid-April from the University of Oxford, has broad research interests in the history and development of the Greek and Latin languages within their changing cultural contexts. His special zeal for the study of ancient documents dovetails with a proud Macquarie tradition.
"I saw this position as a very exciting opportunity in ancient history," says Evans. "The CORE is a landmark development and while the Department already attracted as a stimulating place to work there is now an added allure."
Areas of research
Evans's current research deals especially with the Greek language in Egypt during the Hellenistic age (the period from Alexander the Great down to the Roman occupation). His particular interests are the non-literary papyri and the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament). He also maintains an active interest in Greek and Latin lexicography (the writing of dictionaries).
Papyrology is a passion for Evans which he says is a very exciting field within ancient world studies. Up until the late nineteenth century the papyri were almost unknown. Since then they have transformed our knowledge of Graeco-Roman culture.
"Today papyrology offers students a wide range of research opportunities in all aspects of the history and culture of their period [approximately 300 BC to 700 AD]," Evans says. "This is especially true for students interested in language study-which is close to my heart. The papyri have barely been tapped as a linguistic resource."
At present Evans, together with colleague Dr Malcolm Choat, is developing a program entitled Language, Script, and Acculturation in Graeco-Roman Egypt. Egypt exhibited a remarkably diverse cultural mix in the Graeco-Roman period.
"This program aims to address the processes of interaction between the classical, indigenous Egyptian, and other (eg Jewish) traditions in the range from roughly 300 BC to AD 400," explains Evans. Within the program Evans, Choat, and departmental colleagues will be pursuing a series of major projects. Postgraduates are encouraged to undertake specific research topics as components of these projects under Evans' supervision.
Postgraduate opportunities
"I am very keen to hear from people interested in my areas of expertise, particularly the Greek language of the post-classical period, cultural history and social aspects of the Greek and Latin languages, and also the Septuagint and Hellenistic Judaism," says Evans.
While language competence would be an asset among prospective students, Evans would be happy to factor in the possibility of acquiring the language. "Whatever they have is an advantage, but if an eager student who came to me without the language was attracted to this kind of topic, then I would be very interested in working with them," he says.
For further information contact Dr Trevor Evans trevor.evans@humn.mq.edu.au or visit www.anchist.mq.edu.au