Ajami script

Ajami (

The script was first used between the 10th and the 16th centuries.[1] It was likely originally created with the intent of promoting Islam in West Africa.^[2] The first languages written in the script were likely old Taseelhit or medieval Amazigh, Kanuri, or Songhay.^[1] Later, Fulfulde, Hausa, Wolof, and Yoruba would use the script.^[1][3] By the 17th century, the script was being used to publish religious texts and poetry.^[3] Guinean Fulani poetry was written in Ajami from the middle of the 18th century.^[3]

During the pre-colonial period, Qur'anic schools taught Muslim children Arabic and, by extension, Ajami.^[2]

After Western colonization, a Latin orthography for Hausa was adopted and the Ajami script declined in popularity.^[3] Some anti-colonial groups and movements continued to use Ajami.^[4] An Islamic revival in the 19th century led to a wave of Ajami written works.^[1]

Ajami remains in widespread use among Islamic circles^[3] but exists in digraphia among the broader populace. Ajami is used ceremonially and for specific purposes, such as for local herbal preparations in the Jula language.^[5]

Hausa Ajami script

There is no standard system of using Ajami, and different writers may use letters with different values. Short vowels are written regularly with the help of vowel marks (which are seldom used in Arabic texts other than the Quran). Many medieval Hausa manuscripts, similar to the

• Wolofal script
• Wadaad's writing
• Fula alphabets#Arabic (Ajami) alphabet
• Swahili Ajami
• Mandinka language#Orthography
• Maore dialect#Maore Arabic Alphabet
• Serer language#Writing system
• Susu language#Orthography
• Aljamiado
• Jawi script
• Perso-Arabic script
• Timbuktu Manuscripts
• Arwi

References