This work is on a language which is often called "Chamba-Daka" to distinguish it from a very different language, Chamba-Leko. The speakers of these two languages share an ethnic identity. Since the speakers of many dialects of both of these languages identify themselves as members of the Chamba ethnic group, they are referred to here as Chamba Daka and Chamba Leko respectively. The name Chamba Daka does not designate a homogenous linguistic unit, but rather a set of dialects whose exact degree of diversity has not yet been precisely determined in every case. Chambaland straddles the present border between Nigeria and Cameroon. Chamba Leko speakers are restricted to the easternmost part of the central area, for the most part on the Cameroon part of the modern border. The remainder of the Chamba are Daka-speaking. It is this dialect which is the focus of this dictionary.

In this detailed study Simha Arom takes a new and original approach to the understanding of the complex and sophisticated patterns of polyphony and polyrhythm that characterise African music. Considering in particular the harp, sanza, xylophone and percussion music of Central Africa, Simha Arom develops a a rigorous method for the analysis of the music and for the recording and deciphering of the many strands of polyphony and polyrhythm. Through a systematic breakdown of the many layers of apparently improvised rhythm he reveals the essential structure which underlies this rich and complex music. Inspired also by linguistic techniques, Professor Arom regards the music very much as a grammatical system.