The Languages of Africa
The Languages of Africa is a seminal
1963 book of essays by
Joseph Greenberg, in which he sets forth a genetic classification of
African languages that, with some changes, continues to be the most commonly used one today. It is an expanded and extensively revised version of his 1955 work
Studies in African Linguistic Classification, which was itself a compilation of eight articles which Greenberg had published in the
Southwestern Journal of Anthropology between 1949 and 1954. It was first published in 1963 as Part II of the
International Journal of American Linguistics, Vol. 29, No. 1; however, its second edition of 1966, in which it was published (by
Indiana University, Bloomington: Mouton & Co., The Hague) as an independent work, is more commonly cited.
Its author describes it as based on three fundamentals of method:
* "The sole relevance in comparison of resemblances involving both sound and meaning in specific forms."
* "
Mass comparison as against isolated comparisons between pairs of languages."
*"Only linguistic evidence is relevant in drawing conclusions about classification."
The second point, mass comparison, is controversial in
historical linguistics, particularly as practiced by Greenberg. The third is completely uncontroversial in modern times, and is directed against previous African linguists (notably
Meinhof) who had classified languages on
typological and even
racial grounds.
His Niger-Congo family was substantially foreshadowed by
Westermann's "
Western Sudanic", but he changed the subclassification, including
Fulani (as West Atlantic) and the newly postulated Adamawa-Eastern, excluding Songhai, and classifying
Bantu as merely a subfamily of Benue-Congo (previously termed "Semi-Bantu").
Semitic, Berber, Egyptian, and Cushitic had been generally accepted as members of a "Hamito-Semitic" family, while
Chadic, "
Nilo-Hamitic", Fulani, and
Hottentot had all been controversially proposed as members. He accepted Chadic (while changing its membership), and rejected the other three, establishing to most linguists' satisfaction that they had been classified as "Hamitic" for purely typological reasons. This demonstration also led to the rejection (by him and by linguistics as a whole) of the term
Hamitic as having no coherent meaning in historical linguistics; as a result, he renamed the newly reclassified family "Afro-Asiatic". This has since been emended by changing the status of "Western Cushitic", making it an independent subfamily of Afroasiatic called Omotic.
Following Schapera and rejecting Meinhof, he classified Hottentot as a member of the Central Khoisan languages. To Khoisan he also added the much more northerly Hatsa and Sandawe; this change remains controversial, and is widely considered inadequately founded.
His most revolutionary step was the postulation of the Nilo-Saharan phylum; this is still highly controversial, despite the publication of claimed reconstructions of the family, but is widely used. Within this, he identified a major subgroup termed
Chari-Nile, containing Eastern Sudanic, Central Sudanic, Kunama, and Berta; this has been generally rejected. On a lower level, he placed "Nilo-Hamitic" firmly within Nilotic, following a suggestion of Köhler, and placed Eastern Sudanic on a firmer foundation.
Finally, he assigned the non-Nilo-Saharan languages of the Nuba Hills of
Kordofan to a single subfamily (
Kordofanian), which together with Niger-Congo formed a new phylum, Congo-Kordofanian. This is generally accepted, with the exception of the "Tumtum" group, although it is unclear whether Kordofanian or Mande was the first branching.
It classifies Africa's languages into four stocks not presumed to be related, as follows::
I. Congo-Kordofanian:I.A
Niger-Congo:I.A.1
West Atlantic: I.A.1.a Northern:
Wolof,
Serer-Sin,
Fulani,
Serer-Non, Konyagi,
Basari,
Biafada,
Badyara (Pajade),
Dyola,
Mandyak, Balante,
Banyun,
Nalu,
Cobiana,
Cassanga,
Bidyogo.: I.A.1.b Southern:
Temne,
Baga,
Landoma,
Kissi,
Bulom,
Limba,
Gola:I.A.2
Mande: I.A.2.a Western: I.A.2.a.1
Soninke,
Malinke,
Bambara,
Dyula, Numu,
Ligbi, Huela,
Vai, Kono, Koranko, Khasonke, Susu, Dyalonke: I.A.2.a.2 Sya: I.A.2.a.3 Mande, Loko, Gbandi, Gbunde, Loma,
Kpelle (Guerze): I.A.2.b Eastern: I.A.2.b.1 Mano,
Dan (Gio), Kweni (Guro),
Mwa,
Nwa.: I.A.2.b.2 Samo, Bisa, Busa:I.A.3
Voltaic: I.A.3.a
Senoufo:
Minianka,
Tagba, Foro,
Tagwana (Takponin),
Dyimini,
Nafana: I.A.3.b. Lobi-Dogon:
Lobi, Dyan, Puguli, Gan, Gouin, Turuka, Doghosie, Doghosie-Fing, Kyan, Tara, Bwamu, Wara, Natioro,
Dogon (1966: "should probably be considered a new separate subgroup. If anything, it is nearest to group c"), Kulango: I.A.3.c Grusi: Awuna, Kasena, Nunuma, Lyele, Tamprusi,
Kanjaga (Bulea) (moved to group d), Degha, Siti, Kurumba (Fulse), Sisala: I.A.3.d
Mossi, Dagomba, Kusasi, Nankanse, Talensi, Mamprusi, Wala, Dagari, Birifo, Namnam, Kanjaga (Bulea) (moved from group c): I.A.3.e Tem, Kabre, Delo, Chala: I.A.3.f Bargu (
Bariba): I.A.3.g Gurma, Tobote (Basari), Kasele (Chamba), Moba:I.A.4
Kwa: I.A.4.a
Kru: Bete, Bakwe, Grebo, Bassa, De, Kru (Krawi): I.A.4.b Avatime, Nyangbo, Tafi,
Logba, Likpe,
Ahlo, Akposo, Lefana, Bowili, Akpafu, Santrokofi,
Adele, Kebu, Anyimere,
Ewe, Aladian, Avikam, Gwa, Kyama, Akye, Ari,
Abe, Adyukru,
Akan (
Twi, Anyi,
Baule, Guang, Metyibo, Abure),
Ga,
Adangme: I.A.4.c
Yoruba, Igala: I.A.4.d
Nupe, Gbari, Igbira, Gade: I.A.4.e Bini, Ishan, Kukuruku, Sobo: I.A.4.f
Idoma, Agatu, Iyala: I.A.4.g
Ibo: I.A.4.h
Ijo:I.A.5
Benue-Congo: I.A.5.A
Plateau: I.A.5.A.1: I.A.5.A.1.a Kambari, Dukawa, Dakakari, Basa, Kamuku, Reshe: I.A.5.A.1.b Piti, Janji,
Kurama, Chawai, Anaguta, Buji, Amap, Gure, Kahugu, Ribina, Butawa, Kudawa: I.A.5.A.2 Afusare, Irigwe, Katab, Kagoro, Kaje, Kachicheri, Morwa, Jaba, Kamantan, Kadara, Koro, Afo: I.A.5.A.3 Birom, Ganawuri (Aten): I.A.5.A.4 Rukuba, Ninzam, Ayu, Mada, Kaninkwom: I.A.5.A.5
Eggon, Nungu, Yeskwa: I.A.5.A.6 Kaleri, Pyem, Pai: I.A.5.A.7 Yergam, Basherawa: I.A.5.B
Jukunoid:
Jukun, Kentu, Nyidu, Tigong, Eregba, Mbembe, Zumper (Kutev, Mbarike), Boritsu: I.A.5.C
Cross-River: I.A.5.C.1 Boki, Gayi (Uge), Yakoro: I.A.5.C.2
Ibibio,
Efik, Ogoni (Kana), Andoni, Akoiyang, Ododop, Korop: I.A.5.C.3 Akunakuna, Abine, Yako, Asiga, Ekuri, Ukelle, Okpoto-Mteze, Olulomo: I.A.5.D
Bantoid:
Tiv, Bitare, Batu, Ndoro,
Mambila, Bute, Bantu:I.A.6
Adamawa-Eastern: I.A.6.A
Adamawa:
I.A.6.A.1 Tula, Dadiya,
Waja,
Cham, Kamu: I.A.6.A.2 Chamba, Donga, Lekon,
Wom, Mumbake: I.A.6.A.3 Daka, Taram: I.A.6.A.4 Vere, Namshi, Kolbila, Pape, Sari, Sewe, Woko, Kotopo, Kutin, Durru:
I.A.6.A.5 Mumuye, Kumba, Gengle, Teme, Waka, Yendang, Zinna:
I.A.6.A.6 Dama,
Mono, Mbere, Mundang, Yasing, Mangbei,
Mbum, Kpere, Lakka, Dek: I.A.6.A.7 Yungur, Mboi, Libo, Roba: I.A.6.A.8
Kam: I.A.6.A.9 Jen, Munga: I.A.6.A.10
Longuda: I.A.6.A.11
Fali: I.A.6.A.12
Nimbari:
I.A.6.A.13 Bua,
Nielim,
Koke: I.A.6.A.14
Masa: I.A.6.B
Eastern: I.A.6.B.1
Gbaya, Manja, Mbaka: I.A.6.B.2
Banda: I.A.6.B.3
Ngbandi,
Sango,
Yakoma: I.A.6.B.4
Zande,
Nzakara, Barambo, Pambia: I.A.6.B.5 Bwaka, Monjombo, Gbanziri,
Mundu, Mayogo, Bangba: I.A.6.B.6
Ndogo, Bai, Bviri, Golo,
Sere, Tagbo, Feroge, Indri, Mangaya, Togoyo: I.A.6.B.7
Amadi (Madyo, Ma): I.A.6.B.8 Mondunga, Mba (Bamanga):I.B
Kordofanian:I.B.1
Koalib: Koalib, Kanderma, Heiban, Laro, Otoro, Kawama, Shwai, Tira, Moro, Fungor:I.B.2
Tegali: Tegali, Rashad,
Tagoi, Tumale:I.B.3
Talodi: Talodi, Lafofa, Eliri, Masakin, Tacho, Lumun, El Amira:I.B.4
Tumtum: Tumtum, Tuleshi, Keiga, Karondi,
Krongo, Miri,
Kadugli,
Katcha:I.B.5
Katla: Katla, Tima:
II. Nilo-Saharan:II.A
Songhai:II.B
Saharan:II.B.a
Kanuri, Kanembu:II.B.b
Teda,
Daza:II.B.c
Zaghawa,
Berti:II.C
Maban:
Maba,
Runga,
Mimi (of Nachtigal), Mimi (of Gaudefroy-Demombynes):II.D.
Fur:II.E.
Chari-Nile:II.E.1
Eastern Sudanic:II.E.1.1
Nubian:II.E.1.1.a Nile Nubian (
Mahas-Fadidja and
Kenuzi-Dongola):II.E.1.1.b Kordofanian Nubian:
Dair,
Dilling, Gulfan, Garko, Kadero, Kundugr:II.E.1.1.c
Midob:II.E.1.1.d
Birked:
II.E.1.2 Murle (Beir), Longarim,
Didinga,
Suri, Mekan, Murzu, Surma (including Tirma and Zulmanu), Masongo:II.E.1.3
Barea:
II.E.1.4 Ingassana (Tabi):II.E.1.5
Nyima,
Afitti:II.E.1.6
Temein, Teis-um-Danab:
II.E.1.7 Merarit,
Tama,
Sungor:
II.E.1.8 Dagu of Darfur, Baygo, Sila, Dagu of Dar Dagu (Wadai), Dagu of Western Kordofan, Njalgulgule, Shatt, Liguri:II.E.1.9
Nilotic:II.E.1.9.a
Western:II.E.1.9.a.1 Burun:II.E.1.9.a.2
Shilluk,
Anuak,
Acholi,
Lango,
Alur,
Luo,
Jur, Bor:II.E.1.9.a.3
Dinka,
Nuer:II.E.1.9.b
Eastern:II.E.1.9.b.1
Bari,
Fajulu,
Kakwa,
Mondari:II.E.1.9.b.2a
Jie,
Dodoth,
Karamojong,
Teso,
Topotha,
Turkana:II.E.1.9.b.2b
Masai:II.E.1.9.b.3
Southern:
Nandi,
Suk,
Tatoga (but text says this is not a subgroup of Eastern, suggesting that this should rather be II.E.1.9.c):
II.E.1.10 Nyangiya,
Teuso:II.E.2
Central Sudanic:II.E.2.1
Bongo,
Baka, Morokodo, Beli, Gberi,
Sara dialects (Madjinngay, Gulai, Mbai, Gamba, Kaba, Dendje, Laka), Vale, Nduka, Tana, Horo,
Bagirmi,
Kuka,
Kenga, Disa, Bubalia:II.E.2.2
Kreish:II.E.2.3 Binga,
Yulu,
Kara:II.E.2.4
Moru,
Avukaya, Logo, Keliko,
Lugbara,
Madi:II.E.2.5
Mangbetu, Lombi, Popoi, Makere, Meje, Asua:II.E.2.6
Mangbutu,
Mamvu,
Lese, Mvuba,
Efe:II.E.2.7
Lendu:II.E.3
Berta:II.E.4
Kunama:II.F
Koman/Coman:
Koma,
Ganza,
Uduk,
Gule,
Gumuz, Mao:
III. Afroasiatic:III.A
Semitic:III.B
Egyptian:III.C
Berber:III.D
Cushitic:III.D.1
Northern Cushitic:
Beja (Bedauye) :III.D.2
Central Cushitic:
Bogo (Bilin), Kamir, Khamta, Awiya, Damot,
Kemant,
Kayla,
Quara:III.D.3
Eastern Cushitic:
Saho-
Afar,
Somali,
Galla,
Konso, Geleba, Marille, (Reshiat,
Arbore), Gardula, Gidole, Gowaze,
Burji,
Sidamo,
Darasa,
Kambata,
Alaba,
Hadya, Tambaro,
Mogogodo (added 1966):III.D.4
Western Cushitic: Janjero, Wolamo, Zala, Gofa, Basketo, Baditu, Haruro, Zaysse, Chara,
Gimira, Benesho, Nao, Kaba, Shako, She,
Maji, Kafa, Garo,
Mocha, Anfillo (Mao), Shinasha, Bako, Amar, Bana,
Dime, Gayi, Kerre, Tsamai, Doko, Dollo:III.D.5
Southern Cushitic:
Burungi (Mbulungu), Goroa (Fiome), Alawa (Uwassi),
Iraqw,
Mbugu,
Sanye, Ngomvia (added 1966):III.E
Chad: III.E.1: III.E.1.a
Hausa, Gwandara: III.E.1.b
Ngizim, Mober, Auyokawa, Shirawa, Bede: III.E.1.c: III.E.1.c.i Warjawa, Afawa, Diryawa, Miyawa, Sirawa: III.E.1.c.ii Gezawa, Seiyawa, Barawa of Dass: III.E.1.d: III.E.1.d.i
Bolewa, Karekare, Ngamo, Gerawa, Gerumawa, Kirifawa, Dera (Kanakuru),
Tangale, Pia,
Pero, Chongee, Maha (added 1966): III.E.1.d.ii
Angas, Ankwe, Bwol, Chip, Dimuk, Goram, Jorto, Kwolla, Miriam, Montol, Sura, Tal, Gerka: III.E.1.d.iii
Ron: III.E.2
Kotoko group:
Logone, Ngala,
Buduma, Kuri, Gulfei, Affade, Shoe, Kuseri: III.E.3 Bata-Margi group: III.E.3.a Bachama, Demsa, Gudo, Malabu, Njei (Kobochi, Nzangi, Zany), Zumu (Jimo), Holma, Kapsiki, Baza, Hiji, Gude (Cheke), Fali of Mubi, Fali of Kiria, Fali of Jilbu,
Margi, Chibak, Kilba, Sukur, Vizik, Vemgo, Woga, Tur, Bura, Pabir, Podokwo: III.E.3.b Gabin, Hona,
Tera, Jera, Hinna (Hina): III.E.4: III.E.4.a Hina, Daba, Musgoi, Gauar: III.E.4.b Gisiga, Balda, Muturua,
Mofu, Matakam: III.E.5 Gidder: III.E.6
Mandara, Gamergu: III.E.7
Musgu: III.E.8 Bana, Banana (
Masa), Lame, Kulung: III.E.9: III.E.9.a
Somrai,
Tumak,
Ndam,
Miltu, Sarwa, Gulei: III.E.9.b Gabere, Chiri, Dormo, Nangire: III.E.9.c Sokoro (Bedanga), Barein: III.E.9.d Modgel: III.E.9.e Tuburi: III.E.9.f
Mubi, Karbo, (added 1966: Jegu, Jonkor, Wadai-Birgid):
IV Khoisan:IV.A South African Khoisan:IV.A.1
Northern South African Khoisan:IV.A.2
Central South African Khoisan:IV.A.3
Southern South African Khoisan:IV.B
Sandawe:IV.C
Hatsa*Greenberg, Joseph H. (1963)
The Languages of Africa. International journal of American linguistics, 29, 1, part 2.
*Greenberg, Joseph H. (1966)
The Languages of Africa (2nd ed. with additions and corrections). Bloomington: Indiana University.
