What [one] needs is simply independent choice... (Dostoevsky,1960:23) 

I started out studying Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth, Germany.  My next degree was in Russian Language and Literature from George Washington University, and then I received both my Masters Degree and my Ph.D. in Linguistics from Georgetown University.

Having grown up in Germany and having studied extensively in the US, German and English are my two native (like?) languages.

My favorite things to do are: spending time with my two sons; writing; spending time with friends; playing racket ball; reading; skiing; hiking; video taping; teaching; taking pictures; playing with technology...

My favorite student quote at the moment is "you AnalYze EVRything!" spoken with disbelief displayed in her tone, posture, gesture, and - most intensely - by her facial expression.

This goes back to my belief that we as humans are complex beings, communicating in complex ways and if we as analysts want to understand human communication in all its complexity, we should not disregard any mode of communication.