A Grammar of Mam, a Mayan Language
1983 grammar book
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A Grammar of Mam, a Mayan Language is a non-fiction book by Nora C. England, published in 1983 by the University of Texas Press.
It is a grammar of the Mam language. The variety of Mam documented in this book is that of San Ildefonso Ixtahuacán.[1]
Background
The author had published a PhD thesis in 1975, and the book originates from this.[2] Much of the development of the book stemmed from England's work with the Proyecto Lingüístico Marroquín, something noted in the book's introduction.[1] The author had done relevant field work beginning in 1971, and it went up to circa the publication of the book.[2]
Contents
There are nine chapters, including the introduction. An analyzed text is one of the appendices, and there are two others.[1]
The initial four chapters have morphological and phonological information.[1]
William F. Hanks of the University of Chicago described the writing style as "relatively informal".[2]
Reception
Louanna Furbee of the University of Missouri described the book as "both lucid and approachable."[3] Furbee stated that the information in the book is "readily" available.[3]
Hanks stated that the book is "a generous and clear picture of an extremely interesting language".[2] He stated that the book's lack of delving into "theoretical implications" is the "weakness" of the work.[2] According to Hanks, "E's description of Mam has weaknesses as well as outstanding strengths."[4]