Tracing the linguistic roots of terms �dombo� and �shaba�

Though in this column I have concentrated mostly on the linguistic roots of the Sotho-Tswana language group, Bantu languages comprise the larger language family wherein such language groups relate discernibly to each other and follow very similar grammar and syntax.

Kalanga, a language spoken principally by the Bakalanga people of southern Africa, is what we will be showcasing this week in light of two principal proto-terms, dombo and shaba.

A proto-term, according to my still-expanding, not-yet-published Dictionary of Protolanguage Terms, is a word or morpheme that harks back to a now-lost universal mother-language that, just as alleged by Genesis 11, we once all spoke as recently as the Neolithic era.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up