African Languages

16This 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. It is the first book to bring this range of material together in accessible form for anyone wishing to learn more about this challenging and fascinating field.04From the contents:1. Introduction Bernd Heine and Derek Nurse2. Niger-Congo Kay Williamson and Roger Blench3. Nilo-Saharan Lionel M. Bender4. Afroasiatic Richard Hayward5. Khoisan Tom Güldemann and Rainer Vossen6. Phonology Nick Clements7. Morphology Gerrit J. Dimmendaal8. Syntax John Watters9. Typology Denis Creissels10. Comparative linguistics Paul Newman11. Language and history Christopher Ehret12. Language and society Ekkehard Wolff