EDITOR'S PREFACE

Ex Africa semper aliquid novi: Linguistic shorts in honour of Andries Coetzee - part I

I have had the privilege of working at the same institution where Prof Andries Coetzee (currently at the University of Michigan) was a student, i.e., North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). He still has very close connections with his alma mater, not least as a regular visiting researcher. I have also, more importantly, had the privilege of doing research with Andries - an experience which has been fascinating, challenging, and inspiring. Andries' standards in research (and the quality of his research) constitute a high bar that many of those who know him can only aspire to. I have also had personal experience of his commitment to South African linguistics and linguists: he was instrumental in enabling me to visit the University of Michigan for a couple of highly productive (and most enjoyable) months in 2016. Each of the contributors to this festschrift will no-doubt be able to tell their own stories about how Andries has inspired and assisted them in their research and careers.

It is thus to Andries' clear status as an inspirational figure in the South African context as well as to his continued commitment to linguists and linguistics in this country, that this festschrift in his honour is dedicated. I am sure the rest of the contributors to this volume will agree with me that it is but small recompense for everything Andries has done for us. Andries, we hope that you will enjoy reading through this small token of our appreciation; a huge thank you from all of us!

Guest editor

Ian Bekker