Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

The Overlooked Codes That Connected Soldiers and Traders Across Africa — and the Rare Records That Still Exist

Lay Summary This article examines how two self-taught linguists, the American envoy, William Hodgson, and – in greater detail – the French colonial officer, Louis Faidherbe, influenced the language landscape of colonies in North and West Africa. It highlights previously unseen documents from Faidherbe’s personal archive to show his huge interest in, and learning of, pidgins (rudimentary languages with minimal vocabulary and grammar), and his appreciation of their value in the colonial setting.

None

Get the Android app