The area covered by this book, originally published in 1953, is one that has long been recognized as presenting many problems from the point of view of Bantu linguistic studies. Almost all the material set out in this present work is based on notes taken in the field, and in many cases presented completely new facts. The sources of the information used are listed at the end of the linguistic description of each of the groups of languages dealt with. Since there are so many languages to be covered it would be impracticable to give even an outline of the main features of each of them, so an outline is given of the main characteristics of each separate group. One language is used as the type for each group, for the purpose of listing examples of the nominal prefixes, verbal conjugation, and personal prefixes. Other features are illustrated from whichever language is the most suitable.

For the purposes of this volume, originally published in 1954, two southern zones of Bantu have been included - south of the Zambesi and east of the Kalahari. The book discusses the phonetic and morphological characteristics of these 2 zones and a classification of the groups, clusters and dialects is provided. For comparative purposes detailed information on some striking dialectical forms is given in the appendices.

The area covered by this book, originally published in 1953, is one that has long been recognized as presenting many problems from the point of view of Bantu linguistic studies. Almost all the material set out in this present work is based on notes taken in the field, and in many cases presented completely new facts. The sources of the information used are listed at the end of the linguistic description of each of the groups of languages dealt with. Since there are so many languages to be covered it would be impracticable to give even an outline of the main features of each of them, so an outline is given of the main characteristics of each separate group. One language is used as the type for each group, for the purpose of listing examples of the nominal prefixes, verbal conjugation, and personal prefixes. Other features are illustrated from whichever language is the most suitable.

Originally published in 1956, this volume presents a survey of the non-Bantu languages in the area extending south of the Sahara from Lake Chad to the Indian Ocean, together withj those of South Africa. The arrangement is primarily linguistic, in as much as larger units which show some indisputable affinities are where possible treated contiguously. Languages in the centre of the total area are discussed first, followed by thos ein the west, north, east and finally south.

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.

Written by an international team of experts, this comprehensive volume presents grammatical analyses of individual Bantu languages, comparative studies of their main phonetic, phonological and grammatical characteristics and overview chapters on their history and classification. It is estimated that some 300 to 350 million people, or one in three Africans, are Bantu speakers. Van de Velde and Bostoen bring together their linguistic expertise to produce a volume that builds on Nurse and Philippson’s first edition. The Bantu Languages, 2nd edition is divided into two parts; Part 1 contains 11 comparative chapters, and Part 2 provides grammar sketches of 12 individual Bantu languages, some of which were previously undescribed. The grammar sketches follow a general template that allows for easy comparison. Thoroughly revised and updated to include more language descriptions and the latest comparative insights. New to this edition: • new chapters on syntax, tone, reconstruction and language contact • 12 new sketch grammars • thoroughly updated chapters on phonetics, aspect-tense-mood and classification • exhaustive catalogue of known languages with essential references This unique resource remains the ideal reference for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of Bantu linguistics and languages. It will be of interest to researchers and anyone with an interest in historical linguistics, linguistic typology and grammatical analysis.