Language, overseas research and a stack of problems in the Faroe Islands

TY - JOUR

T1 - Language, overseas research and a stack of problems in the Faroe Islands

AU - Edwards, K

AU - Guttesen, Rolf Flemming

AU - Stumman Hansen, S

AU - Sigvardsen, P.J.

PY - 2010/3

Y1 - 2010/3

N2 - Overseas research exposes the researcher to geographies which are new but can be deceptively familiar. A study in the Faroe Islands resulted in an initial interpretation of landscape history which subsequent examination showed to be flawed. Difficulties were generated by a combination of working across several languages (including local dialect) and the problems arising from enquiry and explanation concerning unusual landscape features. This paper explores the steps involved in achieving an understanding of a particular humanly-altered landscape and reflects upon the dangers inherent in taking a more superficial approach to such a task.

AB - Overseas research exposes the researcher to geographies which are new but can be deceptively familiar. A study in the Faroe Islands resulted in an initial interpretation of landscape history which subsequent examination showed to be flawed. Difficulties were generated by a combination of working across several languages (including local dialect) and the problems arising from enquiry and explanation concerning unusual landscape features. This paper explores the steps involved in achieving an understanding of a particular humanly-altered landscape and reflects upon the dangers inherent in taking a more superficial approach to such a task.

U2 - 10.1080/14702540903497920

DO - 10.1080/14702540903497920

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1470-2541

VL - 126

SP - 1

EP - 8

JO - Scottish Geographical Journal

JF - Scottish Geographical Journal

IS - 1

ER -