My research interests are very multifaceted, and that enables me to create a kind of dialogue among many disciplines, different regions of the world, and different cultures. I have published on the historical novel, the impact of colonial hegemony, female identity, and folklore among other topics. Because my publications are interdisciplinary by nature, they are of interest to scholars in areas such as race and ethnic studies, gender studies, ethnomusicology, folklore, and literature. The ability to do my research using my knowledge of several languages, and to publish in English and French has been a great asset to me. I consider the award to be a tribute to the informants who over the years have generously shared their knowledge with me any time I have embarked on a research project.