An English translation of "Entwurf einer Grammatik der Herero Sprache", the work by Karl Hugo Hahn, that was supposed to be undertaken with the linguist Wilhelm Bleek. As this was not possible, due to circumstances, Hahn delivered his own version of the book to Riga in 1854. It is the first grammar of the Herero language spoken by the Herero people in Southern Africa.
The manuscript of 208 pages is heavily corrected and the translator is not identified. There is a note on a torn piece of paper which states "Presented ... Sir Bartle Frere K.G.C.B., C.S.I. by the Translator, Cape Town, January 19th 1880.
Entwurf einer Grammatik der Herero Sprache - an English translation
This material is held atRoyal Asiatic Society Archives
- Reference
- GB 891 SC25
- Dates of Creation
- 1854 - 1880
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English German her
- Physical Description
- 1 folder handwritten manuscript
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Karl Hugo Hahn was a Baltic German missionary and linguist who worked in South Africa and South-West Africa for most of his life. Together with Franz Heinrich Kleinschmidt, he set up the first Rhenish mission station to the Herero people in Gross Barmen. Hahn is known for his scientific work on the Herero language.
Access Information
Open. Please contact the archivist. Details can be found here : https://royalasiaticarchives.org/. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-5, and Thursdays 2-5. Access is to any researcher without appointment but it will help if an appointment is made via phone or email. Please bring photo ID.
Acquisition Information
The material was presented to the Royal Asiatic Society by Sir Bartle Frere.
Note
Karl Hugo Hahn was a Baltic German missionary and linguist who worked in South Africa and South-West Africa for most of his life. Together with Franz Heinrich Kleinschmidt, he set up the first Rhenish mission station to the Herero people in Gross Barmen. Hahn is known for his scientific work on the Herero language.
Archivist's Note
This material was catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2022.
Conditions Governing Use
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Custodial History
The originator of the manuscript is unknown. It was given to Sir Bartle Frere in January 1880.
Additional Information
Published
gb891-sc25