Afro-Linguistics and Comoran Language Structures: An Overview

The Comoros archipelago in Eastern Africa is home to a rich linguistic diversity, with several Afro-Asiatic languages spoken by its inhabitants. Among these, Comoran, also known as Shikomoro, is one of the most widely used and studied languages. The study employs a comprehensive literature review approach, synthesizing existing research on Afro-Asiatic linguistics and Comoran language studies. It also includes analysis of recent fieldwork data collected from native speakers to identify any emerging trends or unique features within the Comoran lexicon and grammar. A notable finding is the presence of a distinctive phonological feature in Comoran, characterized by a high rate of vowel harmony across various dialects, which is not observed in other Afro-Asiatic languages. This pattern underscores the importance of studying local linguistic practices within their specific cultural contexts. The research contributes to our understanding of how language structures can serve as markers for broader sociolinguistic phenomena and provides insights into the complex interplay between linguistic diversity and cultural identity in the Comoros region. Further empirical studies should focus on longitudinal data collection to track changes over time, particularly focusing on younger generations who may be less exposed to traditional linguistic practices. Additionally, comparative studies with other Afro-Asiatic languages would help elucidate the unique characteristics of Comoran. Afro-Linguistics, Comoran language, phonology, morphology, syntax, cultural identity