German-speaking pioneers in African linguistics and literature with special reference to Northern Sotho

Abstract

One cannot conceive of the development of a written tradition in many an African language without the contribution made by Germans, especially from the middle of the previous century up to about the first quarter of the present century. Their primary involvement was invariably a missionary one, but they did more than just consign these languages to writing in order to communicate the gospel. The thorough linguistic instruction which they had generally received as part of their missionary training, allowed them to make contributions which far exceeded the basic requirements for foreign language learning. With this article I endeavour to sketch the influence which the Germans have indelibly exerted on the development and advancement of the Bantu languages and of Northern Sotho in particular.