SIL Electronic Working Papers
SILEWP 2004-005
- Author:
Kenneth S. Olson
Title: An Evaluation of Niger-Congo Classification
Language: Dogon, Ijoid, Kru, Atlantic, Kwa, Benue-Congo, Wide Bantu, Narrow Bantu, Adamawa-Ubangi
Country:
Subjects: historical linguistics, Niger-Congo, language classification, Africa
Abstract:
Paper: PDF (691Kb, 27 pages)This paper examines the presently received classification of the Niger-Congo language family, with the aim of evaluating the classification and suggesting areas of further research. We find that the exact placement of Ijoid, Kru, and Dogon within the Niger-Congo tree remains to be determined and that the unity of each of the following nodes needs to be better established: Atlantic, (new) Kwa, (new) Benue-Congo, Wide Bantu, Narrow Bantu, and Adamawa-Ubangi. The macro classification is based on the method of resemblances, with refining based on lexicostatistics paired with the examination of shared innovations. The comparative method has mostly been applied at a micro level to specific subgroups. A comprehensive reconstruction of Niger-Congo, including the establishment of sound laws, remains the major future task.
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