Renowned linguist Norbert Cyffer’s groundbreaking research on African languages, particularly Kanuri, has left a lasting impact on the academic community. His tireless efforts to bridge the gap between Europe and Africa have inspired generations of scholars.
The academic community is mourning the loss of Emeritus Professor Norbert Cyffer, who passed away at the age of 81. His extensive research on African languages, particularly Kanuri, has left a lasting impact on linguistic scholarship. This article explores Cyffer’s contributions to the field of Kanuri studies and his role in fostering cross-continental collaboration.
Emeritus Professor Norbert Cyffer is a renowned expert in the field of linguistics, particularly in the study of Uralic languages.
He has made significant contributions to the understanding and documentation of these languages, including the development of linguistic theories and methodologies.
His research has focused on the syntax and phonology of Uralic languages, shedding light on their unique characteristics and patterns.
Professor Cyffer's work has been widely published in academic journals and books, establishing him as a leading authority in his field.
The Neglected Field of African Languages
When Cyffer first encountered Kanuri, he was struck by its vast number of speakers and lack of academic attention. Despite having a comparable number of speakers to Finnish, Kanuri ‘remains neglected in academic research,’ according to his 2015 report, ‘In the Name of Grammar.’ Determined to change this, Cyffer spent over four decades studying Kanuri’s grammar, language documentation, and its role as a second language.
The Kanuri language is a member of the Saharan branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.
It is primarily spoken in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
With approximately 3 million speakers worldwide, it ranks among the most widely spoken languages in Africa.
Kanuri has two main dialects: Manga and Nganam, with Manga being the more widely spoken.
The language uses a variety of tones to convey meaning and has a complex system of suffixes and prefixes for grammatical purposes.
A Decade of Research and Collaboration
Starting in the late 1960s, Cyffer spent time with Kanuri-speaking communities, recording their language and music. His recordings shed light on the cultural diversity of Nigeria‘s border regions with Niger and Chad. Cyffer’s efforts also contributed to the development of the Kanuri dictionary, further cementing his role in advancing the language’s visibility.
The Kanuri-speaking communities are predominantly located in West Africa, primarily in Nigeria and Niger.
They have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on oral traditions and storytelling.
The Kanuri language belongs to the Saharan branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.
Historically, the Kanuri people were skilled traders and agriculturalists, with a deep understanding of the local environment.
Today, they continue to contribute significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of their regions.
A Standardized Orthography for Kanuri
Cyffer played a crucial role in developing the first Standard Kanuri Orthography (SKO), a widely used spelling system that continues to serve as a linguistic benchmark. Before its creation, there was no standard orthography or spelling of Kanuri.
Beyond Research: A Mentor and Bridge-Builder
Cyffer’s influence extended beyond Africa, inspiring scholars across Europe to study Kanuri and other African languages. His guidance shaped the careers of many emerging African linguists, strengthening academic ties between Africa and Europe. ‘Norbert Cyffer was a bridge,’ said senior lecturer Tukur Abba. ‘He was the reason Kanuri became known to European scholars.’
A Lasting Legacy
Cyffer’s passing is a profound loss, but it does not signal the end of Kanuri language studies. His departure marks a new beginning, and the global linguistic community must carry forward his work. The challenge now lies in ensuring the study of African languages remains an academic priority. Cyffer’s contributions have paved the way for future scholars to sustain and expand this knowledge, keeping the bridge between continents intact.
A Tribute to Norbert Cyffer
Cyffer’s publications, including ‘A Sketch of Kanuri‘ and ‘The Kanuri Language: A Reference Grammar,’ remain foundational texts in the field of Kanuri studies. His legacy serves as a testament to the importance of linguistic diversity and cross-continental collaboration. As we move forward, it is essential to continue Cyffer’s work, ensuring that African languages are given the attention they deserve in academic research.
