Publication of the “Tachelhiyt Berber-French Dictionary” by Harry Stroomer
The Dutch publishing house “Brill” has recently released a remarkable work, the Tachelḥiyt-Berber French Dictionary, by linguist Harry Stroomer. This dictionary, spanning over 3,000 pages, is the culmination of four decades of the author’s diligent research, who is an emeritus professor of Afro-Asiatic languages at Leiden University. This volume is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive source of all words, expressions, examples, riddles, and other linguistic elements of the Tachelḥiyt Berber language, representing a significant contribution to the lexicography of this language.
Forty Years of Research and Effort
Stroomer’s work has been a long-term endeavor, initiated in 1986 and largely carried out during his tenure at Leiden University. He gathered and verified lexicographical data over a period of four decades, utilizing a wide range of publications and archives, which he enriched through his own fieldwork, particularly in Morocco. The dictionary thus presents a wealth of data, ranging from words to expressions, providing insights into their use in specific cultural and social contexts.
A Career Dedicated 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 vast and sometimes inaccessible fields. After retiring in 2011, Stroomer continued to pursue projects, including this dictionary, which he views as the culmination of his research efforts.
An Engaged Linguist
Born in 1946, Harry Stroomer is a well-regarded linguist known for his research on the linguistic diversity of North Africa and the Middle East. He has published 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, singing, songs, ethnography, and material culture.
The Tachelḥiyt-Berber French Dictionary thus continues Stroomer’s long tradition of scientific research and serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of the Tachelḥiyt Berber language, as well as a true homage to the richness of this language and its culture.
