N'Ko Writing System (Manden kan = Manding Language)
About N'Ko Script
N'Ko is a writing system that uses both cursive (connected) and non-cursive (disconnected) forms depending on usage, though it maintains its printed form in all cases.
Writing Characteristics
- Direction: Written from right to left
- Script Type: Both cursive and non-cursive forms available
- Diacritics: Uses phonetic indicators called kanmasere (sound indicators)
- Case System: No uppercase/lowercase distinction - uses phonetic markers instead
- Syllables: Can write up to 10,000 syllables with less than 50 letters
Unicode Resources
Technical Documentation
Downloads
Quick Navigation
Important Notes
- Single Letters: In N'Ko vocabulary, several letters appear as single forms, such as pronouns (n', i, a) and interjections.
- Phonetic Transparency: N'Ko uses diacritics (accents and marks) called kanmasere for phonetic clarity in both writing and speech.
- Article System: Phonetic markers distinguish definite/indefinite articles (the, a, an) and proper/common nouns, serving the role of capitalization.
- Syllabic Capacity: The N'Ko writing system can write approximately 10,000 syllables, while the Manding language uses about 2,300 syllables.
- Character Efficiency: This syllabic abundance is achieved with fewer than 50 letters, integrated with Latin symbols on the keyboard layout.
For Full N'Ko Support: To view this site with complete N'Ko characters (consonants, vowels, and phonetic signs), please ensure you have the N'Ko font installed. Free characters available on this site may not include all phonetic markers.