The linguistic ethnobiology of Masa (Guitang) | SOAS University of London
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2022-07-21

Note: This talk has not gone through a process of peer review, and findings should therefore be treated as preliminary and subject to change.

SOAS Linguistics Webinars
The linguistic ethnobiology of Masa

Guillaume Guitang
Université Libre de Bruxelles

Abstract: Abstract: In this talk, I survey the different ways in which speakers of Masa languages (Chadic, Afroasiatic) name plants and animals. I focus on the Northern division of Masa, which comprises Masana, Musey, Gizey, Ham, and Marba(-Lew). These languages use plenty of composite labels (endocentric). Unitary labels are also attested. The unitary labels involve simple lexemes and compounds (exocentric). Most unitary compounds are metaphor-based. A number of labels involve reduplication. Reduplication in the fauna and flora vocabulary can be iconic (onomatopoeia) or driven by analogy.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6874808