African Studies in Czechoslovakia

Extract

The Institute of Oriental and African Studies (Prague 1, Lazenska Str. No. 4), originally founded in 1922 by the Government, has since 1952 been an integral part of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, the president of which is a member of the Government. The purpose of the Institute, under its director, Professor J. Prusek, is to foster research in Oriental and African languages, cultures, economics, and history; there are four departments, one of which is concerned with the Near East and Africa, and has 17 members of staff, headed by Dr. O. Klima. Four scholars are working on various aspects of African languages and literature: Dr K. F. Waridi-Ruzicka (Swahili and Bantu), Mr S. Pantucek (Berber), Mr P. Zima (Hausa and Yoruba), and Mr J. Hulec.