Lamba Literature

Extract

Regarding the true classification of the numerous Bantu languages we are still very much in the dark. We need much more detailed information upon many areas and collation of work before the various types, languages, and dialects which go to make up the Bantu family can be accurately mapped out. We do know, however, that Bantu languages are associated together broadly into a number of zones or types, which to a great extent are determined by geographical position. The migration and counter-migration of tribes, however, naturally cause much overlapping of these types and the formation of numerous enclaves which have to be taken into account. On the question of nomenclature then, the term ‘type’ will probably be less objectionable than that of ‘zone’, though the actual names of the types will of necessity be regional, such as ‘South-eastern’, ‘North-western’, ‘Central’, etc.