Description
First steps towards a Tarifit grammar
Book summary
This work offers an essential introduction to the grammar and lexicology of the Kelaia dialect, in the province of Nador, corresponding to the Tarifit variety of Tamazight. The book addresses the most relevant grammatical aspects of this language, which is threatened by the influence of Arabic, French, and Spanish. Its main objective is to provide a clear and accessible resource for linguists and scholars interested in the documentation and preservation of Berber languages, contributing to making the linguistic richness of North Africa more visible.
What is it about?
The book focuses on describing the fundamental elements of Tarifit grammar, specifically the variant spoken in the Kelaia region (Nador). Throughout its pages, the author breaks down key aspects of the morphology, syntax, and lexicology of this language, offering a systematic analysis that allows for an understanding of its internal structure. The work is not only a descriptive manual but also a call to action for linguists around the world to participate in the documentation and revitalization of Tamazight varieties, especially Tarifit, which faces an increasing risk of linguistic displacement.
Main topics
- Grammar and morphology of the Tarifit language (Kelaia variety).
- Syntactic structure and lexicology of the Nador dialect.
- Documentation and preservation of threatened North African languages.
- Influence of dominant languages (Arabic, French, Spanish) on Tamazight.
- Descriptive linguistics applied to a Berber variety.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for linguists, philologists, researchers, and students of Afroasiatic or Berber languages, as well as anyone interested in linguistic diversity and the preservation of minoritized languages. It is also useful for Tarifit speakers who wish to deepen their formal knowledge of their own language, and for academics seeking reference materials on Tamazight grammar.
What this book contributes
- A first systematic approach to the grammar of a poorly documented linguistic variety.
- Tools for understanding the morphosyntactic structure of Tarifit.
- A practical resource for initiating research on endangered Berber languages.
- A contribution to the visibility and revaluation of the linguistic heritage of northern Morocco.
Technical specifications
- Author: Jelouli, Amar El Arbaoui
- Publisher: PUNTO ROJO EDITORIAL
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: GRAMMAR, SYNTAX AND MORPHOLOGY
- Collection: PUNTO ROJO
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: December 2023
- Number of pages: 186
- Weight: 250 g
Editorial assessment
This is a necessary reference work for those dedicated to the study of Berber languages, especially the Tarifit variety. Its descriptive approach and its clear intention to document a threatened language give it relevant academic and cultural value. Although it is aimed at a specialized audience, its didactic structure makes it accessible for beginners in the grammatical knowledge of this linguistic variant.