This volume, part of a series on language and cultural contacts, examines the expansion and influence of African languages within broader sociolinguistic and historical contexts. Authored by J.-P. Caprile, it explores how linguistic interactions have shaped cultural dynamics across the continent. Published by Peeters in 1982, the work contributes to the study of language spread, multilingualism, and the role of African languages in regional and transnational communication. With 426 pages, it offers detailed analysis grounded in linguistic anthropology and historical linguistics, making it a valuable resource for researchers interested in African studies and language policy.