African Languages
An Introduction

An accessible introduction to African languages and linguistics, covering language typology, linguistic structures and sociolinguistics.

Bernd Heine (Edited by), Derek Nurse (Edited by)

9780521666299, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 August 2000

408 pages, 9 maps 28 tables
22.6 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.64 kg

"The book has a substantial bibliography and extremely useful indexes of authors, language names, and subjects. It should be in any academic library that supports curricula in lingustics, African languages, or broader programs of African studies. It may well be assigned as a textbook, so should certainly be in the regular stacks, but is easy enough to use and covers so much information that it could also serve well in reference collection." Choice

This book is an introduction to African languages and linguistics, covering typology, structure and sociolinguistics. The twelve chapters are written by a team of fifteen eminent Africanists, and their topics include the four major language groupings (Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, Afroasiatic and Khoisan), the core areas of modern theoretical linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax), typology, sociolinguistics, comparative linguistics, and language, history and society. Basic concepts and terminology are explained for undergraduates and non-specialist readers, but each chapter also provides an overview of the state of the art in its field, and as such will be referred to also by more advanced students and general linguists. The book brings this range of material together in accessible form for anyone wishing to learn more about this challenging and fascinating field.

List of maps
Notes on contributors
1. Introduction Bernd Heine and Derek Nurse
2. Niger-Congo Kay Williamson and Roger Blench
3. Nilo-Saharan Lionel M. Bender
4. Afroasiatic Richard J. Hayward
5. Khoisan Tom Güldemann and Rainer Vossen
6. Phonology G. N. Clements
7. Morphology Gerrit J. Dimmendaal
8. Syntax John R. Watters
9. Typology Denis Creissels
10. Comparative linguistics Paul Newman
11. Language and history Christopher Ehret
12. Language and society H. Ekkehard Wolff
References
Index of authors
Index of languages
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]