Rafael on making connections

How did you come to pursue your research topic in Nijmegen? 

I’ve always wanted to learn Quechua, as my father is bilingual in Spanish and Quechua, and grew up in Bolivia. During my master’s in Munich, I started thinking about combining linguistics with Bolivian culture through fieldwork. Opportunities for such PhDs were rare, but towards the end of my studies I found a PhD position at Radboud on the concept of pain across languages. I immediately thought of how Bolivians deal with pain differently - not only when comparing them to Europeans, but also within the different ethnic groups of Bolivia itself. So I sent in a project proposal about comparing Bolivian Spanish and Quechua, and was luckily selected for the position. 

What are some of the highlights of your doctoral life so far?

Some highlights of my PhD include connecting with scientists from different fields and parts of the world. It’s always great to hear what other people are working on, getting to know the people behind the names of the papers you’ve read, and receiving valuable advice on your own research. I’ve also traveled for research to countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Argentina, and Bolivia, where I spent three months collecting data and connecting with local Quechua speakers. Equally important are the moments to take a break and relax. I like the many options that the campus offers, such as walking through the woods, having a drink at the CultuurCafé, or meeting colleagues for coffee at Blommers.

What advice do you have for peers or those considering doctoral studies? 

My advice to linguistics students considering a PhD is to first get a good overview of your field and an idea of what a scientific career looks like. While I love my work, academia can be a tough place, and it takes patience and perseverance to find a PhD opportunity you truly care about. A great way to prepare is by attending workshops or conferences and talking to researchers. Ask about their experiences, and get their advice on applying for positions or scholarships. You don’t need to present anything yet; just joining and listening can teach you a lot, and one of those people might even become your future supervisor.