The Mandinka History and Language Program

The Mandinka History and Language program is a data collection series aimed at increasing the availability of African sources for African history. The focus of phase one of the program is to collect accounts of Mandinka history from local historians. The accounts will be recorded as digital audio preserving their traditional method of delivery and transmission. The accounts will then be transcribed into text using the most accessible Mandinka alphabet, a slightly modified and phonetic Latin alphabet. After the Mandinka versions of the accounts are transcribed they will then be translated into English in a dual-language book. The Volume’s contribution will be threefold.

1-The works will provide accounts of Mandinka history as they are preserved and recited by traditional, professional historians.

2- They will provide a resource for the contextual study of Mandinka language and grammar.

3- They will provide a contextual example of Mandinka spoken art and recitative forms.

The Mandinka History and Language Program enters it’s much anticipated first phase this October 2011. Kane Mathis will spend a month with hereditary musicians and historians collecting the accounts and translating the accounts. The the translation will then be checked by multiple local informants for accuracy. After the translation the volume will be published in various stages and easily available to the public.

Fund Raising

Donations to the project may be made at www.kanemathis.com to ensure that the informants and historians are generously compensated for their services and that the project is completed in a timely manner.

Data Collection

Kane Mathis has been making trips to The Gambia to study language and music with families of historians and hereditary musicians for the past 13 years. This effort will take place due in part to the many lasting relationships he has formed over the years giving him unique access to the wealth of knowledge these artisans hold.