Description

About the Book:

“A Santali Grammar for Beginners” was written as a response to the lack of a concise grammar book for those studying the Santali language. The author, Paul Olaf Bodding, was encouraged to provide a brief overview of the language for beginners. This book serves as an introduction to Santali grammar, offering a sketch of the language’s structure and fundamental aspects. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Santali, Bodding refers readers to his more comprehensive work on the subject.

About the Author:

Paul Olaf Bodding (1865–1938) was a Norwegian missionary, linguist, and folklorist who played a pivotal role in the study and development of the Santali language. Arriving in Santalistan (Santal Parganas) in 1890, he became a missionary and later the leader of the Norwegian missionary organization, Santaline Mission. Bodding was instrumental in creating the first alphabet for Santali and writing its first grammar. He also translated the Bible into Santali in 1914. He spent 44 years in India and was well-regarded among the Santal people in India and Bangladesh. After returning to Denmark, Bodding passed away in 1938.