Michael Koch

Mr. Michael J. Koch has studied Oceanic languages and cultures in Hamburg, Germany. In 1986/87 he conducted research in the Marquesas, where he learned the language and gained profound insights into the historical and contemporary Marquesan culture. Having lived in Fiji for some years, he lives now since 2012 permanently in Tahiti, where he pursues his research on Marquesan language and culture. He contributed as an expert to the inscription of the Marquesas Islands as a World Heritage Site at UNESCO. Currently he is editing the original field notes of his famous fellow countryman Karl von den Steinen, whose publications have helped to save important parts of the Marquesan culture.

Languages spoken: French and English

 

Photo credit: ARR