Dictionary of the language and culture of the Twareg (Alqamus Talmant – Tamahaq – Tamashaq – Tamajeq) by Hans Ritter
Volume 1: Twareg – French – German: Elementary dictionary with an introduction to culture, language, script and dialect distribution
Volume 2: German – Twareg: Expanded dictionary of the main Twareg dialects with a presentation of phonology, grammar and verbal system as well as an annotated bibliography in collaboration with Karl-G. Prasse
Despite numerous studies on the Twareg, a generally applicable supra-regional dictionary has been lacking until now. Hans Ritter, a tropical medicine specialist and ethnologist, has now published a two-volume dictionary of the dialects spoken today in Algeria, Libya, Niger, Mali and Burkina-Faso.
The result is two complementary but fundamentally independent dictionaries with different structures and emphases. One is the basic trilingual volume “Twareg – French – German”, the other is the extended bilingual dictionary “German – Twareg”.
In addition to the trilingual vocabulary section, Volume 1 contains detailed tables on dialect distribution as well as transcriptions of the Twareg script (Tifinagh), contributions on the history of language and writing, the traditional calendar, year chronicles, number systems, poetry and music. The material possessions of the traditional nomadic culture – implements, tools and jewelry – are illustrated with explanatory graphics.
Volume 2 offers an extended and detailed vocabulary with cross-dialectal entries from all main and many secondary dialects, as well as numerous related terms from the most important contact languages: Arabic, Hassaniya, Hausa and Songhay. In addition to the general vocabulary, the thematic focus is on the definitions of plants and animals, materials and foodstuffs, jewelry and utensils. In addition to terms relating to trade and economic life, chronology, orientation and the names of the stars, traditional medicine and remedies are also listed. Systematic source references and bibliographical information complete this wide-ranging linguistic documentation. The dictionary is aimed at academics – ethnologists, Berberologists, Africanists – as well as development workers and lay people interested in Twareg culture.
Volume 1: 1130 pages, 419 illustrations,
ISBN 978-3-447-05886-5
€ 128,- (D) / sFr 217,-
Volume 2: 1154 pages,
ISBN 978-3-447-05887-2
€ 148,- (D) / sFr 250,-
Complete price: € 228,- (D) / sFr 387,-
Available from July 2009 in bookshops and from HARRASSOWITZ Verlag, Wiesbaden(www.harrassowitz-verlag.de)
