The earliest vocabularies of Cameroons Bantu

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The earliest vocabularies of Cameroons Bantu
Author:	Hair, P.E.H.
Year:	1969
Periodical:	African Studies
Volume:	28
Issue:	1
Pages:	49-54
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kamerun
Subjects:	Duala language history 1600-1699
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00020186908707302
Abstract:	Two 17th-century vocabularies from the Cameroons coast are examined: in a Dutch translation of Leo Africanus' account of Northern Africa, printed in 1665; 2. in Dapper's 'Naukeurige Beschrijvinge der Afrikaensche Gewesten' which appeared in 1668 Comparison of the numerals in these vocabularies together with the numerals of modern Duala Isuwu and Mokpe (Baakpe or Bakweri), shows that the historical vocabularies are almost certainly drawn from the same language, and that the seventeenth-century language is most probably an earlier form of Duala. The exact provenance of the early vocabularies, as well the extent of the language, is unfortunately left in doubt by the texts. The vocubularies examined are the earliest known of any Cameroons Bantu languages and also the earliest known of any North Western Bantu Language with the exception of a 1602 vocabulary from Cape Lopez. The 1665 vocabulary, apart from its linguistic significance, provides evidence concerning seventeenth century Afro-European contacts on the Cameroon coast. Notes.