EDirOR'S PREFACE 



The following grammatical sketch of the Chukchee group of lan- 

 guages is based on a manuscript by Mr. Bogoras, in which all the 

 main facts presented here are contained. Since the principal object 

 of the series of sketches presented in this Handbook is an elucida- 

 tion of the grammatical categories found in the present condition 

 of each language treated, I thought it best to re-arrange the material 

 on the basis of an analytical study. I am therefore responsible for 

 the essential form of arrangement and presentation here given. The 

 re-arrangement was, however, made in consultation with Mr. Bogoras, 

 the final form being given to the description of the grammar in ac- 

 cordance with his criticisms and suggestions. The references to the 

 Chukchee and Koryak Texts have also been added by me in order 

 to prove the statements contained in the grammar. These also were 

 revised, supplemented, and corrected by Mr. Bogoras. Finally I 

 have added sample texts with explanatory notes. These have also 

 been revised by IMr. Bogoras. 



It seemed important to add the Chukchee to the sketches contained 

 in the Handbook, because it proves conclusively that those features 

 which are most characteristic of many American languages are found 

 also on the Asiatic continent. It seemed essential, furthermore, to 

 present material for determining the position of the Eskimo language 

 in relation to all its neighbors. 



The war has delayed the publication of this work beyond expecta- 

 tion, and the final revision had to be made by the editor. 



Fkanz Boas. 



New York, December, 1921. 



637 



