Building semantic maps for closely related languages: Words for ‘grain’ and their kin in South Mande

Abstract This study is an exercise in micro-scale comparison based on the semantic map approach. A constructed for meanings associated with word ‘grain’ four closely related South Mande languages: Dan Blowo, Tura, Mwan, and Wan. Although non-cognate, words show remarkable similarity their range of meanings, suggesting that newly introduced are same networks as they come to replace. Differences between languages boil down unavailability or reduced productivity particular uses one two (Wan some extent Mwan). The original network shown have become significantly Wan, a lesser Mwan. major challenge micro-comparison due small sample size idiosyncratic nature relationships, which together make it hard explore network’s internal structure. Language-internal evidence can occasionally be used compensate missing from large-scale typological sampling. Overall, approach proves promising research history has potential help lexicographers fieldworkers identify possible gaps lexical descriptions.