Exploring expressions for cardinal directions in Tshiluba

This paper presents the outcomes of a pilot study that explores expressions for cardinal directions in Tshiluba, a Bantu language primarily spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Language data were collected from a native Tshiluba speaker using three elicitation methods and an online dictionary. The results reveal several potential nomenclatural strategies and conceptual sources that Tshiluba uses to linguistically encode cardinal directions, including references to body parts, geographical and environmental landmarks and features, and celestial bodies and events. Meanwhile, a comprehensive exploration of the inherent characteristics of these Tshiluba cardinal direction expressions remains a subject of further investigation. The paper also includes reflections and suggestions regarding research methodologies on this topic. This paper contributes to cross–linguistic exploration and documentation of cardinal direction expressions, both within and beyond the Bantu language family. It also encourages further research on spatial language as a whole, which is a pursuit of great importance in advancing our understanding of human spatial cognition and our interactions with the external world.