TEA: What is your connection to archaeology?
M. Karabáš: Mainly my work for the EAA, as I am a linguist by profession. It’s true, though, that both linguistics and archaeology are part of the humanities, so I feel a sense of kinship with archaeologists! :-) In addition, I used to work as an academic and a researcher before I joined the EAA (my areas of concentration were English phonetics and phonology as well as second language acquisition), so I feel an affinity with archaeologists as fellow scientists.
TEA: What is the most important and relevant part of your work?
M. Karabáš: I’ve only recently started work for the EAA, so it’s difficult to choose just one aspect of it. What I can say is that I’m looking forward to meeting and cooperating with new people, seeing new places and learning a bit more about archaeology!
As far as specific tasks are concerned, I will be involved in the organization of EAA Annual Meetings, EAA website maintenance and answering members’ queries.
TEA: TEA: What/How does archaeology contribute to society at large?
M. Karabáš: Archaeology gives us the opportunity to learn about distant cultures and to find out how people lived and interacted with each other in the past. This knowledge is, I think, immensely valuable, as it can inform our current values and opinions, enrich our understanding of human nature and make us better human beings as a result.
TEA: Describe your workspace in five words or less.
M. Karabáš: Lively, diverse, welcoming.
TEA: What is the one piece of gear you can’t live without in the field/office?
M. Karabáš: Speakers! Listening to good music while I work helps me focus and just generally makes me happy. Music is an important part of my life.
TEA: If you could go back in time, would you go? Where and when?
M. Karabáš: If I could go back in time, I would perhaps choose the Stone Age – it might be a little scary, but I’d like to see how hunter-gatherers lived. Ever since I read Harari’s Sapiens, I’ve been interested in how much our lifestyles, thoughts and feelings have changed since the time of the ‘original man’.
TEA: What is your favourite part of your job?
M. Karabáš: I haven’t worked for the EAA long enough to have a no. 1 pick, but I really enjoy the variety of tasks I have undertaken thus far, as well as cooperations with colleagues and other EAA members. I also like any type of analytical work -organization, finding connections, studying things, putting them in order.
TEA: Do you go to archaeological sites on vacation, or do you do other things?
M. Karabáš: I like variety at work and on holiday as well. I love collecting new experiences - tasting new food, meeting new people, seeing new places – whether it is checking out a local restaurant (I’m a foodie too), admiring stunning views, taking a stroll in the woods or visiting an archaeological site.
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