Linguistic hypotheses on the origins of Namibian Khoekhoe speakers

Abstract

This paper presents a synopsis of the linguistic and migratory 'prehistory' of the Damara, the Negroid speakers of Khoekhoegowab. This is then compared to Richard Elphick's hypothesis concerning the Khoesaan cradle in Botswana; to existing archeological data; and to Christopher Ehret's hypothesis about proto-Kwadi migration into south-western Angola. It is concluded that Richard Elphick's hypothesis about the migrations of Negroid Khoe speakers into Namibia and south-westen Angola, the proto-Kwadi alias proto-Damara, appears to be basically correct.

To cite this article: Haacke, W.H.G. 2008. Linguistic hypotheses on the origins of Namibian Khoekhoe speakers. Southern African Humanities 20: 163-77.