The Oxford Handbook of Ethiopian Languages

This handbook provides a comprehensive account of the languages spoken in Ethiopia, including their structures, features, function, and use in society. It covers four major language families and explores languages outside of those families, such as Ethiopian Sign Language, Ethiopian English, and Arabic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1424 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive handbook offers a thorough exploration of the diverse languages spoken in Ethiopia, delving into their structural characteristics, linguistic features, societal functions, and historical significance. The first part of the volume provides a foundational background, encompassing demographic distribution, classification, language policy, scripts, and writing systems, as well as the challenges faced by endangered languages in the country. Subsequently, the handbook focuses on the four major language families found in Ethiopia: Cushitic, Ethiosemitic, Nilo-Saharan, and Omotic. Each family is presented with individual language studies, beginning with an introductory overview chapter. A wide range of languages, including Amharic, Oromo, Zay, Gawwada, and Yemsa, are included, representing both major and less-documented linguistic traditions.

The final part of the handbook explores languages that fall outside these four families, namely Ethiopian Sign Language, Ethiopian English, and Arabic. Drawing upon the expertise of an international team of senior researchers and junior scholars, The Oxford Handbook of Ethiopian Languages appeals to a wide audience, including scholars of African linguistics, language enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the languages and cultures of the region.

In conclusion, this handbook serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic landscape of Ethiopia. Its comprehensive coverage, interdisciplinary approach, and contributions from leading experts make it an essential tool for researchers, students, and anyone with a passion for languages and cultural diversity.

Weight: 2328g
Dimension: 252 x 175 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198728542