Word hunters : unsung heroes of linguistics

![CDATA[Although linguists have, here and there, recounted their professional journeys, sometimes including fieldwork (Dixon 1983, 2011; Everett 2008; collections in: Davis & O’Cain 1980; Ellis 2016; Fernández et al. 2009; and Koerner 1991, 1998), never before have long-term linguistic fieldworkers reflected on their fieldwork careers all in one volume. We thus asked eleven of these linguistic heroes to recount their fieldwork career autobiographies. We stipulated that each chapter give both an overview of the linguist’s fieldwork, and details of some linguistic and extra-linguistic experiences in the field. Beyond this and a word limit, however, contributors had carte blanche. It is not easy to sum up a lifetime of eureka moments and intercultural lessons in a single chapter; each contributor has chosen a slightly different strategy. Throughout the volume, these scholars’ tenacity in pursuing linguistic revelations and love for the intricacies of language and culture are palpable. The tone of the autobiographies confirms their mensch-hood; these authors of scores of important books and journal articles do not crow. They recount mistakes and embarrassments alongside (and sometimes instead of) the discoveries that have cemented their scientific legacies.]]