After forty years in academia, P.S. Groenwald leaves a rich heritage, which is measured not only in terms of his impressive list of publications, but also in terms of those for whom he was the academic mentor. His versatility as academic is reflected in the variety of specialist fields in which his former students find themselves. Experts in literature and linguistics, lexicographers and translators all found their niches under his tutelage. In appreciation of the enormous contribution that he made towards their careers and academic schooling, former students and colleagues have decided to honour him with this festschrift.