----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- John Womack's question concerning the language skills of historians of economics struck a chord with me. Having limited language skills will matter more or less depending on one's area of research interest, but, for areas in which it is an issue, I believe it can shape one's work profoundly. Reflecting upon my own experience, I have had to battle with language difficulties: developing a working knowledge of written German, working with translators for Hungarian. Laborious as all of this has been, it has given me an understanding of my research area that is very different from what I would have gained had I confined myself to English source material only. At a more general level, I also believe that having a knowledge of various languages goes hand in hand with greater sensitivity to the way words are used, to those using them, and to context in general. These are all benefits that are, in fact, independent of whether or not the languages one knows are of direct use in one's area of research. Sincerely, Robert Leonard ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]