Nasema (ߣߊߛߍߡߊ)

Nasema is a method of writing Swahili with the N'Ko alphabet devised by Allison Powell. It was inspired by the fact that Swahili carries a lot of Arabic influence, and the N'Ko alphabet was largely influenced by the Arabic script. Furthermore, given that N'Ko is one of the most widely used native African scripts, writing Swahili, the second most spoken language in Africa, with this alphabet simply makes sense. The name "Nasema" means "I say" in Swahili, just as the word "N'ko" means "I say" in Mandé languages that use the N'Ko alphabet.

Notable features

• Type of writing system: alphabet
• Writing direction: right to left in horizontal lines
• Used to write: Swahili
• Letter forms change depending on their position in a word

Nasema alphabet

Download an alphabet chart for Nasema (Excel)

Notes

• The letter ߒ is also used as the initial n before a consonant.
• The symbol ߷ represents an asterisk in N'Ko, but in Nasema it is used as a full stop / period.

Sample text in Nasema

Transliteration

Watu wote wamezaliwa huru, hadhi na haki zao ni sawa. Wote wamejaliwa akili na dhamiri, hivyo yapasa watendeane kindugu. 

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Information about Swahili | Phrases | Numbers | Tower of Babel | Learning materials

Adapted scripts by Allison Powell

Bhalabali, Głagolicy, Inglisuraya, Jawacaraka, Nasema, Qurditsuraya

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