SocioBaGS Workshop
26-28 June 2025
Laboratoire Parole et langage, CNRS – Aix-Marseille Université
The SocioBaGs project investigates variation and change in the nominal classification systems of the Bantu languages, one of the world’s largest language families. At each of the borders of the Bantu spread zone – northwestern, northeastern, and southern – Bantu languages are in contact with other language families, ranging from distantly related branches of the Niger-Congo family to genealogically unrelated groupings. We want to understand how Bantu nominal classification systems vary and change in languages spoken at the border with non-Bantu or other Bantu languages. The ultimate goal of the project is to use this wealth of empirical data – stemming from large-scale comparative research and fieldwork – to develop a general model of language evolution dynamics and their sociohistorical correlates.
The present workshop will bring together members of the SocioBaGS scientific committee as well as researchers from outside the project core team to exchange ideas and findings on the latest research about the typology of Bantu and non-Bantu nominal classification systems and the population history and contact dynamics of sub-Saharan Africa. Variation and change in Bantu languages in contact with other language families are especially in focus. The workshop will feature one and a half day of presentations from the members of our scientific committee and a poster session, followed by one day of discussions and data collection sessions.
The presentations, joint discussions, and data collection sessions are open to the LPL and Aix-Marseille community upon registration.
The talks on June 26th-27th will be also streamed via Zoom :
Link : https://univ-amu-fr.zoom.us/j/99744915786
Passcode : 157288
Have a look at the detailed program and abstracts.
To register in the workshop, please fill in this form before May 28th.
More information about our project can be found here.
