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Who wrote the first known grammar of an African language?

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Thematic map of Africa showing the distribution of Niger-Congo language branches. Distinct colors represent language groups such as Atlantic, Mande, Gur, Kwa, Benue-Congo, and Bantu, with Bantu languages covering most of central, eastern, and southern Africa. A numbered key lists prominent languages in each area, and country borders are marked for reference. — Niger-Congo languages Map showing the branches and distribution of the Niger-Congo languages.

The first known grammar of an African language was written by the Italian missionary Giacinto Brusciotto. Published in Rome in 1659, this 98-page study focused on the Kongo language and is particularly noted for its description of the characteristic noun class system.1