Vocabulary: Ancient Manuscripts from the Desert Libraries of Timbuktu

This text is a simplified version. Some words that are narrowly specific to this field are not covered. Others are presented because they provide some learning experience. More mainline academic words are emphasized. New vocabulary is presented in one or more of three ways in order to stimulate thinking using all of these ways to master vocabulary and by extension to apply this type of analysis to all school work. The three ways are: context, word form/roots (morphology) and syntax (word order). These three tools should be used to the extent they are helpful in an individual case. Finally, a brief definition is provided.

The words written in capitals provide syntax or context clues.

synonymous

• ...with the phrase,"utterly remote." But...
• "nom" from Latin/French for name. "Syn" means together or same
• same meaning

remote

• It synonymous with the phrase,"utterly______________."
• "mot" from Latin for motion. Other words promote, demote. Prefix,"re" to do again and again. Many motions to get there...far away.
• far away

manuscripts

• IMPORTANT BOOKS were WRITTEN and COPIED there, establishing the city as the center of a significant WRITTEN TRADITION in Africa. These ancient______________.
• "Script" from Latin for write. "Manu" from Latin for hand.
• handwritten

indicative

• The manuscripts are_____________of a high level of civilization... provide irrefutable proof of a powerful African literary tradition.
• "Dic" from Latin "to say". "ive" is an adjective ending. "In" as a prefix means it is about the thing attached to the root.
• to say about or characteristic of

irrefutable

• provide __________________PROOF of a powerful African literary tradition.
• "fus/fut" from Latin to push away. "Re" prefix is from Latin for repeatedly. "ir" is an addtional prefix meaning not or negative.
• unable to disprove.