Notes from Jeff Good's talk

In case you missed Tuesday's presentation from Jeff Good, here are some notes.

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Looks at comparative Niger-Congo, particularly the Bantu spread. Want to know how local sociolinguistic dynamics play out over large areas and great time depth. How is the area supporting such linguistic diversity?

Comparative linguistic analysis from structuralist perspective

Dilemmas in comparative Bantu: all these related languages in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall relationship is clear. But there hasn't been a Bantu-specific innovation.

In the Lower Fungom area:

- each village has its own language, a language proves that the village is distinct

- there are no monolinguals in the area

- languages portrayed in a utilitarian fashion, the real bond is in kinship

- in this context, it pays to be multilingual: each language gives you access to a different social group

- speaking a language is great power, used for secrecy and in-group status

Social and language strategies to close off a village: Fang

- forest around the village

- child price

- esoterogeny: making the language deliberately more difficult

Trying to unpack the language choices in the area. What are people doing when they speak different languages?

Lexicogrammatical code - "Village" (group of people who happen to be in a place) - ritual unit - chief - spiritual security - - -

- chief: human embodiment of the lanugage

- having a language is an indirect link to spiritual security

The National Membrane

- language was linked to culture, so speaking a different language is an act of subversion

Why learn a language? Desire to detect evil plans and gossip!