African Linguistic Perspectives on Afro-Languages in Somalia: A Theoretical Framework

African linguistics has traditionally focused on languages within the continent, but recent scholarship has expanded to include Afro-Languages—languages that emerged through contact between African and European languages. This theoretical framework article explores these Afro-Languages in Somalia, with a particular emphasis on Somali language. The methodology involves a review of existing literature on Afro-Linguistics and specifically on Somali language studies. A thematic analysis will be employed, examining various aspects such as phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics within the context of Somalia’s linguistic landscape. This theoretical framework lays down a robust foundation for understanding and analysing Afro-Languages in Somalia, providing a structured approach that can guide future research efforts. Future researchers should consider integrating quantitative methods alongside qualitative analysis to achieve more comprehensive insights into the linguistic characteristics of Afro-Languages. Additionally, comparative studies with other Afro-Languages could provide valuable comparisons.