Biographical Review of Georg Valentin von Munthe af Morgenstierne

Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The biography of Georg Valentin von Munthe af Morgenstierne (GM), authored by Nils Johan Ringdal, explores the life and contributions of one of the leading Indo-Iranists of the 20th century. GM, born in Kristiania in 1892 and passing away in Oslo in 1978, was a pioneering figure in Indo-Iranian dialect research across the linguistic border in the Pamirs and Hindu Kush regions. Serving as a professor of Indian language and literature in Oslo from 1937 to 1962, GM played a significant role in the intellectual landscape of Norway following World War II. Ringdal's extensive work draws upon a wealth of authentic source materials, including GM's publications, autobiographical notes, diaries from his travels, and letters, effectively providing a comprehensive account of his life.

The Distinction of Kafir Languages

One of GM's most significant contributions to linguistics is his insight regarding the "Kafir languages," which he proposed should be considered a distinct group separate from the Indo-Aryan Dard languages. In his pivotal work, GM argued that these languages represent a remnant of an independent third branch within the Indo-Iranian language family. His findings challenge previous classifications and were first published in his major work, "Indo-Iranian Frontier Languages." Despite the significance of this discovery, Ringdal notes that GM regrettably never took the time to explore this topic in a comprehensive monograph that would have expanded upon his arguments and presented the extensive linguistic material in detail.

The Impact of Field Research

GM's field research, particularly in Afghanistan, was extensive and groundbreaking. His early travels in 1924 and subsequent trips allowed him to collect a wealth of linguistic data across many dialects. During his 1924 trip, GM systematically learned Pashto and its dialects while gathering materials on various languages such as Ōrmurī, Parachi, and Pashai. Despite political challenges that restricted his access to certain areas, GM's efforts to document these languages significantly contributed to the understanding of the linguistic landscape in the Indo-Iranian region. His observations also provided insights into the socio-political developments in Afghanistan during the mid-20th century.

Conclusion

Ringdal's biography of GM serves as a pivotal work in understanding both the life of a key figure in Indo-Iranian studies and the broader historical and cultural contexts of his research. While the book presents substantial biographical and scientific content, it is not without errors, particularly in its extensive index. Such inaccuracies leave room for skepticism among readers regarding the details they cannot independently verify. A more accurate and detailed bibliography of GM’s publications, as suggested by the reviewer, would enhance the value of Ringdal’s work. Overall, the biography sheds light on the impactful yet often overlooked contributions of GM to the study of Indo-Iranian languages.