Publication of the "Tachelhiyt-Berber-French Dictionary" by Harry Stroomer

The Dutch publishing house "Brill" has recently released a remarkable work, the Tachelhiyt-Berber-French Dictionary, authored by linguist Harry Stroomer. Spanning over 3,000 pages, this dictionary is the result of four decades of dedicated research by Stroomer, an emeritus professor of Afro-Asiatic languages at Leiden University. This groundbreaking volume is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive source of all words, expressions, examples, puzzles, and other linguistic elements of the Tachelhiyt Berber language, constituting a significant addition to the lexicography of this language.

Forty Years of Research and Effort

Stroomer’s work has been a long-term endeavor that began in 1986 and was largely carried out during his years at Leiden University. He collected and verified lexical data over four decades, utilizing a wide variety of publications and archives, which he enriched through his own fieldwork, particularly in Morocco. As a result, the dictionary boasts a wealth of data, covering everything from individual words to expressions, with insights into their usage within specific cultural and social contexts.

A Career Committed to Linguistics and the Cultures of the Arab and Berber Worlds

In his acknowledgments, Harry Stroomer enthusiastically reflects on his journey at Leiden University, where he taught from 1976 to 2011. He describes his work on Berber and South Semitic languages as a passion, highlighting the intellectual challenges he faced while exploring these expansive and sometimes inaccessible fields. Even after retiring in 2011, Stroomer has continued to engage in projects, including this dictionary, which he views as the culmination of his research efforts.

A Committed Linguist

Born in 1946, Harry Stroomer is a renowned linguist recognized for his research on the linguistic diversity of North Africa and the Middle East. He has authored numerous books and articles and conducted field research in countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Somalia, Morocco, Malta, and Yemen. His work extends beyond linguistics to encompass areas such as oral literature, song, ethnography, and material culture.

The Tachelhiyt-Berber-French Dictionary thus fits within the long tradition of Stroomer’s scientific research and serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of the Tachelhiyt language, standing as a true tribute to the richness of this language and its culture.