Kurs-Information

This seminar aims to provide a basic understanding of African languages and linguistics. We will begin with a brief overview of sound and writing systems, morphology, and syntax. We will then focus on Northern, Western, East and Southern Africa, delving into the four large groups of African languages, namely Afroasiatic, Niger-Kordofanian, Nilo-Saharan, and Khoisan. Finally, we will cover social aspects of language such as variation (“dialects”, “registers”), multilingualism, and language policy. There are weekly introductory readings representing classic texts and new developments alike, and hands-on exercises. There will be an examination at the end of the course.