Learn Ndịokwu
The most efficient writing system ever developed for the Igbo language
Contents
Writing Rules
The Foundation: Understanding Abugida
Ndiokwu is an abugida - a writing system where each character represents a consonant with an inherent vowel sound. Think of it like this: every consonant "carries" the vowel "a" with it automatically.
Quick Test:
When you see ma, you automatically read "ma" - the 'm' consonant plus its built-in 'a' sound.
1Every Consonant Says "A" by Default
This is the golden rule of Ndiokwu. Every single consonant automatically includes the vowel sound "a".
2Change the Vowel with Diacritics
Want a different vowel? Add a diacritic mark above or below the consonant to transform that default "a" into any other vowel.
The 8 Vowel Sounds of Igbo
3Digraphs: Two Letters, One Sound
Some Igbo sounds require two letters together (called digraphs). Treat these as single consonants that also get the automatic "a".
4Double Consonants: Use a Breve for the First One
When Igbo has a double consonant sound (like "mm" in "mma"), write the first consonant with a breve in Ndiokwu.
Why Three Times?
In Ndiokwu, every consonant normally carries a vowel. To show a pure double consonant without vowels between them, we need a special pattern:
5Standalone Consonants: Use a Breve
Sometimes a consonant appears by itself without any vowel sound (like "m" in "mama m"). Write these consonants with a breve.
6Independent Vowels: When Vowels Stand Alone
When a vowel starts a word or appears by itself, use the independent vowel characters.
- ọ dị mma → "ọ dị mma" (it is good)
- a na m → "a na m" (I am)
- ị na → "ị na" (you are)
7Tone Marks (Advanced - Optional)
By default, Ndiokwu does not use tone marks - just like most everyday Latin Igbo writing. The script is designed to be readable without them.
When tone marks are needed, Ndiokwu uses the same tone marking system as Latin Igbo:
- High tone: ´ (uptick) - placed after the vowel
- Low tone: ` (downtick) - placed after the vowel
- Neutral tone: no mark (default)
🎉 Congratulations!
You now know all the essential rules for reading and writing Ndiokwu! With these 7 rules, you can write any Igbo word using the most efficient writing system ever created for the language.