The Adlam script, whose name derives from the phrase “Alkule Dandayɗe Leɗi Abwool Mɓe” (meaning “the alphabet that will prevent a people from being lost”), is a writing system developed between 1986 and 1989. It was devised by the brothers Ibrahima and Abdoulaye Barry from Guinea to provide a written form for the Fulani language, which is spoken by millions across various countries in West Africa including Guinea, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The creation of Adlam was driven by a desire to preserve the Fulani language and improve literacy among the Fulani people, as prior to Adlam, the language was primarily written using the Arabic or Latin alphabets, which did not represent all its sounds accurately.
The script itself is a biconsonantal alphabet, meaning it includes separate characters for consonants and vowels. Adlam is written from right to left in its cursive form and from left to right in its printed form, making it unique among African scripts. It consists of 28 consonants and 13 vowels, and includes five special characters to modify vowel sounds. The design of Adlam is such that it reflects the phonetics of the Fulani language closely, thereby providing a more intuitive reading and writing experience for native speakers than previous scripts used.
The rise of Adlam has had significant sociocultural implications. Before its development, the Fulani language was at risk of diminution, as younger speakers became increasingly likely to use the national languages of their respective countries. The introduction of a dedicated script has not only bolstered the use of the Fulani language but also fostered a greater sense of identity and cohesion among the Fulani people. It has been embraced particularly by the youth, and a variety of materials, including books, newspapers, and educational resources, are now being produced in Adlam.
Moreover, the digital age has accelerated the spread and adaptation of the Adlam script. Unicode officially adopted Adlam in 2016, enabling it to be used in various software and digital platforms. This integration has facilitated online communication among Fulani speakers and has helped bridge the gap between geographically dispersed communities. The script’s adoption into digital use signifies a crucial step in ensuring its sustainability and continued relevance in a globalized world. The efforts of the Fulani community and the script’s creators show a commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and promoting literacy through tailored educational tools, a testament to the dynamic adaptability of cultural expression.