Okinawa Study Center, University of Hawaii
Dr. Serafim will be the first director.
Expressed strong volition to promote exchange
with the prefecture
(Okinawa Times, May 2, '08, Translation: Robert Kishaba )
The University of Hawaii (UH) announced that Dr Leon Serafim (62), assistant professor in the Far East Language & Literature Dept, has been appointed as the first director of the Center of Okinawan Study which is scheduled to be opened in UH in July this year. The term is one year from the 1st of July, the Okinawa study Center will start as a branch of the existing Japanese Study Ctr. His speciality is Okinawan (Ryukyuan) and Japanese language study.

Dr. Serafim showed the zeal for establishing detailed functions of the center as the first director. he has plans for degree awarding curriculum, invitation of researchers from Okinawa, exchange of academic credits with Okinawan colleges, etc.

Dr. Serafim has experienced field works in Okinawa from 1975 for 2 years. associated and exchanged widely with scholars in Okinawa. He said that he has been significantly influenced by Okinawan scholars for the techniques of approaching linguistics from "Omorosouchi" and Okinawan performing arts. He has been giving lectures on Okinawan language study using Okinawan performing arts which is quite popular.

He loves Orion beer and gooyaa. He was born in Athens Greek. his parents came to US and obtained a citizenship. He lives with his wife, Sally.