The Bantoid Languages

Abstract

Abstract The Bantoid languages are a body of some 150 to 200 languages positioned geographically between Nigeria and Cameroun. They do not form a genetic group but all are in some way more closely related than to Bantu than other branches of Benue-Congo. The most well-known branches are Dakoid, Mambiloid, Tivoid, Beboid, Grassfields, and Ekoid. Bendi, formerly Cross River, may be Bantoid, while Jarawan is probably Narrow Bantu. Their classification has been controversial. Due to their inaccessibility, many are poorly described. This article summarizes the literature on their classification and main linguistic features and in particular how these relate to Bantu. Their main typological characteristics include S (AUX) OV word order, functioning or traces of nominal affixing and alliterative concord, suffixed verbal extensions, ATR vowel harmony, and labial-velars in the phonology. Some languages have developed highly complex tone systems as a result of extreme erosion of segmental material.

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