About Dr. Georgi L. Kapchits
Candidate of Philological Sciences
Dr. Georgi Leonidovich Kapchits (born October 2, 1939) is a distinguished linguist and folklorist specializing in Somali language and culture. His pioneering research in Somali paremiology and oral traditions has established him as one of the world’s leading authorities on Somalistics.
Education & Career
1967 - Graduated from the Institute of Oriental Languages at Moscow State University, specializing in Amharic and Somali languages and African literature.
1967-1994 - Worked as announcer-translator for Somali language at the Main Editorial Office for Broadcasting to African Countries, USSR State Television and Radio.
1994-present - Commentator at the Main Information Editorial Office of the State Radio Company “Voice of Russia.”
2000 - Defended his dissertation on Somali syntax for the degree of Candidate of Philological Sciences.
Teaching Experience
Dr. Kapchits has taught Somali language at prestigious institutions including:
- Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University
- Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)
- Humboldt University, Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
Field Research
1989 - Research expedition to Mogadishu, Somalia
2001 - Field work in Hargeisa, Somaliland
2003 - Research visit to Djibouti
International Recognition
Dr. Kapchits’ work has gained international acclaim through:
- Coverage in The Guardian newspaper (2012)
- Interviews in Horn of Africa publications
- Participation in the Hargeisa International Book Fair
- Presentations at major international conferences
Academic Achievements
- Author of 9 monographs on Somali language and folklore
- Over 20 scholarly articles in international publications
- Pioneer in empirical Somali paremiology
- Compiler of the most comprehensive Somali proverb collections
Languages
- Russian (native)
- Somali (fluent)
- English (fluent)
- Amharic (proficient)
- German (proficient)
Personal
Dr. Kapchits is married and has two daughters. His dedication to preserving and studying Somali oral traditions has made him a beloved figure in the Somali academic community worldwide.