Hunting for signs: Exploring unspoken networks within the Kalahari Basin

Abstract

In this article we present comparative data on visual hunting signals from the Kalahari Basin Area of southern Africa, encompassing three Kalahari Khoe-speaking (Ts'ixa, Buga, Ç'Ani) and one Kx'a-speaking group (Ju'hoan). For the comparison, an analysis of handshapes, handedness and iconicity in the individual data sets was conducted. Being applied in analyses of gestures and (partly) sign languages, these parameters reveal significant similarities and differences between the individual systems. We find that the systems documented most likely constitute an areal feature that transcends the boundaries of genealogical linguistic affiliation and may ultimately contribute to a better understanding of population contact and local networks in the Kalahari Basin Area Sprachbund.