Manual of the Andamanese Languages

The Aborigines of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (lying in the Bay of Bengal), are among the most ancient races on earth. These people have remained secluded from rest of the world for centuries ? so much so that to know about their history, origin, manners and customs, is an anthropological revelation of high importance. In this endeavour, the knowledge of their languages is a must, for each of the tribes possesses a distinct dialect, traceable however to the same source. The Andamanese languages though belong to one group, have no affinities by which we might infer their relatedness with other known group or groups. There is also a distinct poetical dialect, and in their songs they subordinate to rhythm, not only the form of words but even the syntax. The ?Manual? is the first of its kind on the subject of various Andamanese dialects. The author, who lived among these people for a long time, took the services of several interpreters for each dialect to ensure correctness.