This volume is paying homage to the memory of Werner Vycichl (1909-1999), one of the most outstanding figures of Semito-Hamitic (Afro-Asiatic) comparative linguistics. The contributions by well-known specialists comprise almost all principle branches of the Semito-Hamitic macrofamily. The volume is divided in five major sections following the areas of interest of W. Vycichl: Egyptology and Coptology, Semitic linguistics, Beja (Northern Cushitic), Chadic, and general Semito-Hamitic (Afro-Asiatic) comparative linguistics (Berber has been excluded, since we already have a separate Mémorial Werner Vycichl with articles only in Berberology).

The volume is important for the researchers in all the linguistic fields enumerated above as well as for those interested in African or comparative linguistics in general.