The ADLaM Alphabet for Our People | Abdoulaye + More | Talks at Google

TL;DR

ADLaM is an alphabet created by Abdoulaye and Ibrahim Barry to write the Fulfulde language, allowing for standardized written communication and preserving their culture and language.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: Please join me in welcoming Abdoulaye and Ibrahim. [APPLAUSE] ABDOULAYE BARRY: My name is Abdoulaye. And I would like to think Craig for inviting us, and thank you all for coming. And thanks to our guests who came here to support us, from New York, from Guinea, and from Portland, Oregon. This is my brother Ibrahim, and we l... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ ADLaM is a phonetic writing system that accurately represents the sounds of the Fulfulde language.
• 🎓 The alphabet helps standardize the language and promote literacy, especially in countries where education is primarily conducted in foreign languages like French and English.
• 🎓 ADLaM has gained popularity and is being used for various purposes, including education, publishing, and digital communication.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the Barry brothers come up with the ADLaM alphabet?

The Barry brothers created the ADLaM alphabet when they realized the need for a standardized writing system for Fulfulde. They drew inspiration from Arabic and the French alphabet and used their knowledge of the language to create a phonetic system that represents the sounds of Fulfulde accurately.

Q: How has ADLaM been received in different countries?

ADLaM has gained popularity in various countries, especially Nigeria, Cameroon, and Guinea. It has been incorporated into education systems, and people are using it to write books, newspapers, and even text messages. The alphabet is helping to promote literacy in Fulfulde and preserve the language and culture of the Fulani people.

Q: How are numbers and punctuation represented in the ADLaM script?

ADLaM has its own set of digits from 0 to 9, distinct from Latin or Arabic numerals. In terms of punctuation, ADLaM uses Arabic punctuation marks, although there are some differences due to the need for writing from right to left.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• ADLaM is an alphabet created by Abdoulaye and Ibrahim Barry to write the Fulfulde language, offering a standardized writing system for the Fulfulde speaking community.

• The use of ADLaM helps preserve the culture and history associated with the Fulfulde language, preventing its disappearance due to the dominance of French and English.

• The alphabet has gained popularity and is being taught in different countries, and efforts are being made to incorporate it into digital platforms for wider use.