Papers of Dr. H. G. A Hughes

This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London

Reference
- GB 102 PP MS 29
Dates of Creation
- 1912-1997
Name of Creator
- Hughes Henry Goronway Alun (1921-2013) linguist
Language of Material
- English Multiple languages
Physical Description
- 5 boxes

Scope and Content

The collection comprises the papers and research notes of H.G.A. Hughes, in addition to microfilms, poetry and audio material relating chiefly to the Pacific region and its languages. There is also some material relating to Wales.

Administrative / Biographical History

Henry Goronway Alun (H G A) Hughes was born 21 July 1921 in Pontlottyn, Wales. He was educated in Pontypridd and at Jesus College, Oxford. In 1947 he gained a diploma in Education from the Institute of Education and then remained there as a research assistant on Community Development and Tropical Education. From 1949 to 1954 he was lecturer in Linguistics with reference to Oceanic Languages at the School of Oriental and African Studies and during this period, from Jan 1951 - Jun 1952, he undertook research in Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands, Solomon Islands and Samoa. From 1955 to 1959 he was International Librarian at the International Library, Liverpool and from 1959 to 1963 Head of Department of Commerce and Liberal Studies at the Technical College, Colwyn Bay. In 1963 he became Visiting Senior Lecturer at Charles University, Prague and received a doctorate from the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. From 1966 to 1974 he was Borough Librarian for Flint and then worked as a tutor for the Open University, trainee solicitor and financial administrator and Hospital Secretary, St. Clare's, Pantasaph.

Dr Hughes has written numerous publications on a wide range of subjects, but with a particular reference to the Pacific and since 1947 he has been Director of a number of companies involved in reviewing, publishing and translating; particularly on Welsh subjects. Membership of organisations includes Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Societ des Oceanistes, Polynesian Society, Linguistic Society of New Zealand, Association of Social Anthropologists in Oceania, Institute of Journalism, Society of Authors, Translators Association, Welsh Academy, Welsh Union of Writers, Communist Party of Great Britain, Democratic Left, and Plaid Cymru.