Open AccessLa reconstruction de quelques mots pour mortier en domaine Bantou
Author(s) -
Annalies Bulkens
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
studies in african linguistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.178
H-Index - 4
eISSN - 2154-428X
pISSN - 0039-3533
DOI - 10.32473/sal.v28i2.107373
Subject(s) - bantu languages , history , distribution (mathematics) , geography , ethnology , linguistics , humanities , philosophy , mathematics , mathematical analysis
This article proposes reconstructions of words for "mortar" in Bantu languages. Comparative research indicates that a nominal stem of the type *-du - -nu can be reconstructed on a Proto-Bantu level; however, data from related non-narrow Bantu languages seem to indicate greater historical depth. In the eastern Bantu languages, a second nominal stem, O-tode, is reconstructed. It appears to be closely related to the geographical distribution of a cereal in south-eastern Africa. Finally, two other regional stems with less historical depth are reconstructed for the Great Lakes area and the central African forest region, respectively.