The basis for modern classification of southern African languages
Varia Series, No. 6. Small 4to (240 x 170 mm); original cloth-backed plain boards, with ink stamp duplicating Bleek's signature to upper cover; pp. viii + 78, incl. index; facsimiles, portraits and contemporary artwork. Few fox spots to lower board. Near fine condition. Uncommon.
The first part of this book, up to page 44, is devoted to a consideration of Wilhelm Bleek's life and achievements as librarian, philologist and anthropologist, the balance to a bibliography of his unpublished correspondence, manuscripts, published works and articles, and references to Bleek in other authors' works.
Wilhelm Bleek occupies a prominent place in the history of research into African languages. His division of language types in South Africa into "a South African division of the sex-denoting languages (Nama, !Kora, Cape Hottentot and Eastern Hottentot)", and a regional division of the Bantu family, provides the basis for modern classification. (Doke & Cole: Contributions to the History of Bantu Linguistics, p. 64)
- Size: 4to
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