Russell Jones (orientalist)

Russell Jones (1925-2022) was a prominent British scholar and orientalist specializing in Southeast Asian languages and literature, particularly Indonesian and Malay. He made significant contributions to the field through his linguistic analysis, textual criticism, and the translation of classic works.

Jones held positions at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, for over forty years, eventually becoming Professor of Indonesian and Malay. His research interests spanned a wide range of topics, including early Malay printing, the history of Indonesian literature, and the study of Islamic manuscripts.

A key aspect of Jones's work was his meticulous attention to detail in the analysis of historical texts. He produced critical editions of important literary works, shedding light on their authorship, dating, and transmission. His translations brought these texts to a wider audience, promoting a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian culture and history.

Jones's publications include books and articles on topics ranging from the Hikayat Hang Tuah (a classic Malay epic) to early Indonesian dictionaries. He also contributed extensively to encyclopedias and reference works on Southeast Asian literature and culture. His scholarship has had a lasting impact on the field of Southeast Asian studies and continues to inform research today. He was a fellow of the British Academy.