Boekbespreking. Algemene Atlas van Kongo

Summary

This is an academic review of the language map (No. 522) in the General Atlas of the Congo, compiled by Prof. G. Van Bulck and published by the Royal Belgian Colonial Institute in 1954. The reviewer, A.E. Meeussen, first acknowledges the map's success in presenting recent scholarly views, particularly the justified priority of linguistic over ethnic criteria, the avoidance of excessive dialectal detail, and the emerging consensus in the spelling of language names. The review then points out specific problems: some classifications (e.g., the Megye group, Kaonde) do not align with recent comparative linguistic findings; certain dialects (e.g., Lionje, Ikongo-Lokalo) are omitted; some linguistic units are improperly split for irrelevant ethnic reasons; and some names (e.g., Ndengese, Bangubangu) deviate from established usage. The review also criticizes the omission of several important recent publications from the bibliography. Finally, it concludes that the map is beautifully executed, with colors, lines, and typography conveying a sense of calm and balance.