William Everett Welmers (1916-1988) was a professor of linguistics and African languages at UCLA, becoming emeritus professor in 1982. His publications include Igbo: a learner's dictionary (1968), African language structures (1973), and A grammar of Vai (1976). The collection consists of Welmers' professional papers, including tape recordings, research materials and notes, printed and manuscript writings, data, word lists, manuals, vocabulary notes, and papers by students and colleagues. The material reflects the relationship between his linguistic research and missionary activities, including information on aspects of linguistics, Central and Southern African history, classification of African languages, and specific African languages such as Igbo, Kpelle, Lugbara, and Yoruba.

Welmers was born on April 4, 1916 in Orange City, Iowa; AB, Hope College, 1936; ThB and Th, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1939; Ph.D, University of Pennsylvania, 1943; member, Lutheran Mission, Liberia, 1946-48 and 1954-55; linguistic research in Africa as fellow in the American Council of Learned Societies, 1948-50; visiting assistant professor of linguistics (1950-51) and acting associate professor (1951-54), Cornell University; associate professor, Kennedy School Missions, Hartford Seminary Foundation, 1955-60; in 1960 became professor of linguistics and African languages at UCLA, becoming emeritus professor in 1982; publications include Igbo: a learner's dictionary (1968), African language structures (1973), and A grammar of Vai (1976); he died in 1988.The previous history was compiled from:

8.4 Linear Feet (16 boxes, 1 oversize box)

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Portions of collection unprocessed. Audiovisual materials are unavailable for access. Please contact Special Collections reference (spec-coll@library.ucla.edu) for more information.