Description
Book SynopsisOffers a stunning relational analysis of social, cultural, and linguistic change in the Lower Mississippi Valley from 500 to 1700. David Kaufman charts how linguistic evidence aids the understanding of earlier cultural and social patterns, traces the diaspora of indigenous peoples, and uncovers instances of human migration.
Trade Review"In
Clues to Lower Mississippi Valley Histories, Kaufman, an independent researcher who focuses on indigenous language documentation, revitalization, and language contact, uses linguistic evidence to provide an enlightening account of the social and cultural history of this area. Well written and comprehensive, this volume traces the linguistic and trade ties between the Lower Mississippi Valley and other settlements, most notably Cahokia near present-day St. Louis, which was larger even than London at the time. Detailing the influence of Cahokia on the trade routes and language of the Lower Mississippi Valley, this work suggests an even larger network of cultural exchange, spanning as far north as the Ohio Valley and as far south as the Valley of Mexico. Scholars will appreciate the detailed accounts of the many indigenous languages that have sadly been nearly lost in terms of present-day active speakers, making this a useful resource for those working to revitalize these languages. This text is a feast of information for students in Native American studies, archaeology, history, anthropology, and linguistics."—B. E. Johansen,
Choice"
Clues to Lower Mississippi Valley Histories effectively employs multiple sources of information to provide innovative insights in the culture and linguistic history of the LMV."—Colin M. Betts,
Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society“
Clues to Lower Mississippi Valley Histories assembles a wide range of information about the peoples, cultures, migrations, archeological traditions, and languages of the area called the Lower Mississippi Valley. Scholars will welcome the compilation and analysis of so many interrelated aspects of this area.”—Marcia Haag, professor of linguistics at the University of Oklahoma
“
Clues to Lower Mississippi Valley Histories offers a composite portrait of the past based on evidence from linguistics, ethnography, and history, while shedding light on the movement of ideas across linguistic and cultural boundaries. As such, it provides a compelling reconsideration of life in the Mississippi Valley, an area that has attracted broad public interest for generations.”—Sean O’Neill, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Part 1. Geography, Archaeology, Peoples, and Languages
1. Geography and Environment
2. Archaeology and History
3. Peoples, Migrations, and Languages
Part 2. Language Contact
4. Language Contact
5. Phonetic and Phonological Features
6. Morphological Features
7. Word Borrowings and Calques
Conclusion
Appendix: Sample Texts from the LMV
Notes
References
Index
