Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints
Document Type
Open Access Preprint
Anticipated Volume
84
Anticipated Issue
1
Final Published Version
Abstract
In this article I am illustrating the linguistic diversity of African Pygmy populations in order to better address their anthropological diversity and history. I am also introducing a new method, based on the analysis of specialized vocabulary, to reconstruct the substratum of some languages they speak. I show that Pygmy identity is not based on their languages, which have often been borrowed from neighboring non-Pygmy farmer communities with whom each Pygmy group is linked. Understanding the nature of this partnership, quite variable in history, is essential to address Pygmy languages, identity and history. Finally, I show that only a multidisciplinary approach is likely to push forward the understanding of African Pygmy societies as genetic, archaeological, anthropological and ethnological evidence suggest.
Recommended Citation
Open access pre-print, subsequently published as Bahuchet, Serge (2012) "Changing Language, Remaining Pygmy," Human Biology: Vol. 84: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Included in
Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Applied Linguistics Commons, Linguistic Anthropology Commons, Morphology Commons