Somali (review)

This is an outstanding overview of Somali, one of the most widely spoken Cushitic languages, with detailed linguistic descriptions of its general framework (1–6), phonology (7–51), morphology and word formation (53–162), syntax (163–228), and pragmatics of discourse (229–250). Two appendixes list all the data sources (251–52) and offer some parsed sample texts (253–65). The volume ends with a bibliography (279–87) and indexes (289–95). It is somewhat annoying that the editors opted for final notes (267–77) instead of the more useful footnotes. Whereas such a choice might be somehow justified in works of haute divulgation, it is quite objectionable in the case of scholarly publications.

The presentation of the materials and the descriptive analysis used here are impeccable and make this work exceedingly practical for linguists and students working in Somali, Cushitic, or Afroasiatic studies. The overall methodology employed seems to depend on the typologico-functional approach, as formulated by Talmy Givón and others. This approach has proven especially fertile in the description and close analysis of diverse languages of the world as opposed to other perhaps more heavily theoretical but rather English-centric schools.

The description of the vocalic system (11–16) argues in favor of two series of vowels differentiated by the ATR feature: back [−ATR] and front [+ATR] vowels. Saeed is in agreement with the vast majority of scholars of Somali in his adherence to B. W. Andrzejewski’s description of a dual system opposing fronting vs. retracting for the Somali vowels; see also Annarita Puglielli, ‘Somali phonology’, (Phonologies of Asia and Africa, 523–25. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1997)—this is not included in S’s bibliography. As I have mentioned elsewhere (Language 75.141), one still misses a discussion—or a simple mention—of Joseph Pia’s proposal concerning a multiply-tiered system (Current progress in Afro- Asiatic linguistics, Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 1978, 463–75).

This well-written and intelligibly explained work will help to improve the knowledge of Somali among linguists and readers interested in Somali matters and in the peoples and the languages of the Horn of Africa. S should be thanked and congratulated for this delightful book.