A Grammar of the Somali Language
With Examples in Prose and Verse, and an Account of the Yibir and Midgan Dialects

A practical grammar and vocabulary, published in 1905, with appendices on Somali literature and the dialects of separate tribes.

J. W. C. Kirk (Author)

9781108013260, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2010

238 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.31 kg

Somali is one of the Cushitic family of languages spoken in the horn of Africa and the official language of Somalia. This practical grammar, published in 1905, was prepared by J. W. C. Kirk, who first learnt to speak the language during his service with Somali troops during the British Empire's failed attempt in 1902–1904 to wrest control of the region from the Dervish state under Muhammad Abdullah Hassan. His unique knowledge of the interior of the country and the different tribes making up the population meant that Kirk's insights were invaluable in advancing scholarly knowledge in the West. Perhaps as importantly, Kirk also records a number of literary examples with his translations of Somali stories and songs. Another appendix explores the dialects of the Midgan (or Madhiban) and Yibir, both minority tribes who kept their languages secret from mainstream Somali society.

Preface
Part I. Orthography
Part II. Accidence
Part III. Syntax of Simple Sentences
Part IV. Syntax of Compound Sentences
Examples of prose and verse
The dialects of the outcast tribes, Midgan and Yibir
Index.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]