African Languages
African Languages
$77.00
USDThis 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.
- The only available introduction in English giving a complete overview of African linguistics
- Covers typology, language structures and sociolinguistic issues
- Written by leading experts, who not only provide explanation of basic concepts for beginning students, but also allow them to learn of more recent developments in the field
Reviews & endorsements
"It should be in any academic library that supports curricula in linguistics, African languages, or broader programs of African studies." Choice
"This book provides a thorough introduction to African languages and linguistics, covering typology, structure and sociolinguistics." African Sun Times
"The contributors are outstanding scholars, and they provide excellent and easy-to-read pieces...At present, no other text offers such a broad coverage of the diverse African language families; hence, this volume is an extraordinary resources for students and scholars interested in the study of African languages...This volume is a succesful introduction to African languages and linguistics." Anthropological Linguistics
"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
Product details
September 2000Paperback
9780521666299
408 pages
226 × 152 × 26 mm
0.64kg
9 maps 28 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 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.
