About
Graeme Bird is a Professor of Linguistics and Classics at Gordon College, where he has taught full-time since 2001. He co-directs the Linguistics major and minor and oversees the Classics minor. His interdisciplinary work connects Homeric poetry, historical linguistics, Greek mathematics, computer programming, and jazz improvisation, reflecting his diverse scholarly and artistic interests.
Education:
- B.A. and M.A., Auckland University
- B.D., London University
- B.M., Berklee College of Music
- M.A. and Ph.D., Harvard University
Dr. Bird’s research focuses on the textual history of Homeric epics, particularly through the lens of oral traditions and manuscript variations. His 2011 book, Multitextuality in the Homeric Iliad, explores ancient papyri as authentic variations rather than eccentricities, challenging traditional assumptions about fixed authorship. He also investigates connections between jazz improvisation and Homeric oral formulaic structures, emphasizing creativity rooted in rehearsed material.
His publications and lectures, including contributions to the Harvard-affiliated Homer Multi-text Project, highlight his interest in multidisciplinary approaches. A chapter on medieval manuscripts of the Iliad was published in 2013, furthering his exploration of textual evolution over time.
Scientific Awards:
- Distinguished Junior Faculty Award (2011)
Dr. Bird’s engagement with students extends through program leadership in Linguistics and Classics. His academic work is complemented by professional piano performances, including appearances at Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts, alongside lectures that merge jazz and classical scholarship.
He is also involved in the Homer Multi-text Project, a collaborative effort to analyze and digitize diverse manuscript traditions of Homeric epics, and has written essays for general audiences on topics such as the King James Bible’s legacy and the value of liberal arts education.
