A Grammar and Vocabulary of the Namaqua-Hottentot Language - Tindall, Henry

A very good copy of this exceedingly scarce early work on Khoisan linguistics. "In this work, which W.H.I. Bleek in 1858 described as 'a very valuable contribution to African philology, and important as the first account of this language, prepared by one who had practical knowledge of the language gained by intercourse with the natives', as distinction is drawn between the dialects spoken by the Hottentots, Korana, Namaquas and the Bushmen. To the grammar were added specimens of translations from the Scriptures as parsing lessons and, a separate Cape Town edition (this edition) a collection of Nama phrases was included. Tindall used the Roman alphabet and spelling conventions as used in Xhosa. Though its original importance was overshadowed by later publications, this was a significant initial effort in the field of philology, preceded only by the limited contributions of J.H. Schelen, H.C. Knudsen and Bleek himself." Bound in a modern green buckram binding. The original wraps of this delicate soft cover publication having been well preserved. Errata and 124 pages. Including a vocabulary and Namaqua phrases. Tindall arrived at the Cape from England with his parents at the age of five in 1836. After basic education at Cape Town he became a lay preacher and, upon joining the ministry in 1852, became assistant missionary to his father at Blijdeverwachting in Namaqualand. Tindall lived and travelled among the various tribes in Great and Little Namaqualand and learnt their languages, habits and history. He did much to develop the Wesleyan Methodist Church of South Africa, and with his death almost the last link with the pioneers of Methodism was severed. Ref:Dictionary of South African Biography, Vol.1 pg 796-797

Publisher: A.S. Robertson / J.C. Juta
Date Published: 1857
Publication Place: Cape Town

Dimensions: 22.5 x 14cm