History of African Linguistics

This volume is the first global history of African linguistics as an autonomous academic discipline, covering Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. It traces its emergence from a colonial science to its de-colonialization and spread across all inhabited continents, with particular reference to its academic establishment in Africa. The twenty-six authors are representatives of the various regions of the world and Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 375 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive volume, assembled by a team of esteemed scholars, presents the first global history of African linguistics as an independent academic discipline, spanning across Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. It delves into the definition and evolution of African linguistics, tracing its origins from its emergence as a colonial science at the turn of the twentieth century in Europe, primarily within the academic institutions of former colonial powers. The book explores the process of African linguistics' emancipation from the colonial project, following its de-colonialization and subsequent spread from imperialist Europe across all inhabited continents, with a particular focus on its academic establishment in various regions of Africa. By offering insightful perspectives from active researchers within its diverse subfields, the volume provides a detailed account of current and past research priorities and achievements. The twenty-six authors, representing diverse regions both globally and within Africa, where African linguistics has firmly established itself in academic institutions, contribute their expertise to this authoritative work.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108406178