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Vladislav CotwichPolish linguist
Date of Birth: 20.03.1872
Country:  Poland |
Content:
- Władysław Kotwicz: Polish Linguist and Orientalist
- Academic Career in Russia
- Expeditions and Research
- Return to Poland
- Leadership and Publications
- Altaic Language Theory
- Legacy
Władysław Kotwicz: Polish Linguist and Orientalist
Early Life and EducationWładysław Kotwicz was born in Poland and began his academic journey at the University of Saint Petersburg in 1891. He specialized in Mongolian languages and studied Manchu and Chinese. Graduating after four years, he embarked on a career in the Ministry of Finance.
Academic Career in Russia
In 1900, Kotwicz commenced his university career, pursuing research while continuing his government service until 1917. He became a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1923.
Expeditions and Research
Kotwicz participated in several expeditions to Kalmykia and North Mongolia, where he studied ancient Turkic runes and monasteries. He also played a key role in establishing the Institute of Living Oriental Languages in Saint Petersburg.
Return to Poland
In 1922, Kotwicz received invitations from universities in Krakow and Lviv. He chose Lviv, where he established the Chair of Far Eastern Philology.
Leadership and Publications
Kotwicz became President of the Polish Oriental Society, a position he held until his death. He also founded "Collectanea Orientalia," a scholarly journal, and served as editor of "Rocznik Orientalistyczny."
Altaic Language Theory
Kotwicz believed in the common origin of Altaic languages, encompassing Turkic, Mongolian, and Tungus-Manchu groups. His research on this topic, "Studia nad j?zykami a?tajskimi" (1932), remains influential.
Legacy
Kotwicz's manuscripts and materials are preserved in the archives of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences in Krakow. His contributions to Mongolian linguistics and Oriental studies continue to be celebrated today.
