About the Collection

  • About the Collection

    The Library develops and maintains significant collections on Linguistics and Languages relating to the countries of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The material is in European, Asian and African languages. Material on Linguistics and Languages of areas outside Asia and Africa and general works are acquired where they are needed to support teaching or specific research.

    We welcome suggestions for new purchases from Library members. Please use the recommendation forms

  • What is in the collection?
    • Works on history, theory and practice of Linguistics and Languages, alongside specific works on the Linguistics and Languages of Asia, Africa and the Middle Eastern
    • Formats include print, electronic, audio-visual, archival material, data and microforms.
    • Extensive collection of journals in both electronic and print
    • Newspapers from Africa, Asia and the Middle East in print and electronic media.
    • Check the Library catalogue and eJournal and eBook Finder for more information.
  • Location
    • The bulk of the Linguistics and Language Studies Collection [classmarks A400s] can be found on Level E between stacks 34 and 39. Oversized books are shelved at the end of the collection at Level E, stacks 56 to 58. There is also a small collection of reference works on Level E, stacks 49
    • Journals held in print can be found at Per 1, Lee Per 1 and L Per 1.  Significant relevant content can also be found in region-specific journals.
    • Works focusing on a specific country or region are shelved in the respective regional collection. They will have a different letter code to indicate this.
    • For a full listing of classmarks and their location, please consult the Library location list.
  • Collection strengths
    • SOAS Library collects and maintains a research level Linguistics and Languages collection that is amongst the most significant in the UK.
    • The depth of regional collecting means that some parts of our Linguistics and Languages collections are unique.
    • If you are interested, please see the Library’s Collection Development Policy .
  • Special collections

    A range of special collections that may be of interest to those studying Linguistics and Languages are held in the Archives & Special Collections. These are housed on Level F of the Library.

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