The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany has selected University of Colorado at Boulder linguistic studies Professor Zygmunt Frajzyngier to receive the prestigious Humboldt Research Award in recognition of his past accomplishments in research and teaching.
The award is presented annually to 150 researchers with internationally recognized academic qualifications in a variety of disciplines, and is intended as a lifelong tribute to the winners' past academic accomplishments.
Frajzyngier, who studies the evolution and structure of syntax and semantics, has taught at CU-Boulder since 1970. He is well known in his field for his work on the structure of Chadic languages - a group of more than 160 central African languages spoken in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
Nominations for Humboldt Research Awards are made by leading German scholars or research institutions. Frajzyngier was nominated by a fellow linguist at Bayreuth University in Germany.
The award will provide Frajzyngier with the opportunity to spend an extended period of time doing research at Bayreuth University with his colleague.
"I feel very honored to receive this award," said Frajzyngier. "It is a privilege not often given to linguists."
The nonprofit Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was established by the government of Germany for the promotion of international research cooperation. It enables highly qualified scholars who do not reside in Germany to spend extended periods of time carrying out research there and promotes international academic contacts.