Nigerian braille

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Nigerian braille. From its origins to its impact today, Nigerian braille has played a fundamental role in society. Throughout history, Nigerian braille has been the subject of numerous studies and research, which has led to a greater understanding of its importance and relevance in different areas. Through this article, we will delve into its many facets, analyzing its consequences and possible implications for the future. Join us on this journey through Nigerian braille, and discover its influence on the world around us.

Several braille alphabets are used in Nigeria. For English, Unified English Braille has been adopted. Three other languages have been written in braille: Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. All three alphabets are based on English readings, with the addition of letter's particular to these languages. Punctuation is as in English Braille.

Basic braille alphabet
⠁ (braille pattern dots-1) ⠃ (braille pattern dots-12) ⠉ (braille pattern dots-14) ⠙ (braille pattern dots-145) ⠑ (braille pattern dots-15) ⠋ (braille pattern dots-124) ⠛ (braille pattern dots-1245) ⠓ (braille pattern dots-125) ⠊ (braille pattern dots-24) ⠚ (braille pattern dots-245) ⠅ (braille pattern dots-13) ⠇ (braille pattern dots-123) ⠍ (braille pattern dots-134)
a b c d e f g h i j k l m
⠝ (braille pattern dots-1345) ⠕ (braille pattern dots-135) ⠏ (braille pattern dots-1234) ⠟ (braille pattern dots-12345) ⠗ (braille pattern dots-1235) ⠎ (braille pattern dots-234) ⠞ (braille pattern dots-2345) ⠥ (braille pattern dots-136) ⠧ (braille pattern dots-1236) ⠺ (braille pattern dots-2456) ⠭ (braille pattern dots-1346) ⠽ (braille pattern dots-13456) ⠵ (braille pattern dots-1356)
n o p q r s t u v w x y z

The letters of these languages beyond the basic Latin alphabet are as follows:

Hausa Braille

Hausa Braille
Script type
alphabet
Print basis
Hausa alphabet
LanguagesHausa
Related scripts
Parent systems

Hausa includes

⠟ (braille pattern dots-12345)
kw
⠩ (braille pattern dots-146)
sh
⠌ (braille pattern dots-34)
ts
⠫ (braille pattern dots-1246)
ɗ

from English q, sh, st, ed (international second d), and three derived letters:

Basic letter: ⠃ (braille pattern dots-12)
b
⠅ (braille pattern dots-13)
k
⠽ (braille pattern dots-13456)
y
Derived letter: ⠆ (braille pattern dots-23)
ɓ
⠨ (braille pattern dots-46)
ƙ
⠯ (braille pattern dots-12346)
ƴ

Hausa is presumably written in braille in Niger as well, since Ethnologue 17 reports that Zarma is written in braille in that country. However, this need not mean it uses the same alphabet as Nigerian Hausa.

Igbo Braille

Igbo Braille
Script type
alphabet
Print basis
Igbo alphabet
LanguagesIgbo
Related scripts
Parent systems

Igbo Braille has

⠟ (braille pattern dots-12345)
kw
⠡ (braille pattern dots-16)
ch
⠣ (braille pattern dots-126)
gh
⠩ (braille pattern dots-146)
sh

from English q, ch, gh, sh, and six other letters with common international/African values:

Basic letter: ⠃ (braille pattern dots-12)
b
⠑ (braille pattern dots-15)
e
⠊ (braille pattern dots-24)
i
⠕ (braille pattern dots-135)
o
⠥ (braille pattern dots-136)
u
Extended letter: ⠆ (braille pattern dots-23)
gb
⠢ (braille pattern dots-26)
⠔ (braille pattern dots-35)
⠪ (braille pattern dots-246)
⠳ (braille pattern dots-1256)
⠬ (braille pattern dots-346)
ŋ

(See Ewe Braille and Kabiye Braille for similar code assignments.)

Yoruba Braille

Yoruba Braille
Script type
alphabet
Print basis
Yoruba alphabet
LanguagesYoruba
Related scripts
Parent systems

Yoruba Braille also has

⠟ (braille pattern dots-12345)
kw
⠩ (braille pattern dots-146)

(from English q, sh), and three derived letters:

Basic letter: ⠃ (braille pattern dots-12)
b
⠑ (braille pattern dots-15)
e
⠕ (braille pattern dots-135)
o
Derived letter: ⠆ (braille pattern dots-23)
gb
⠢ (braille pattern dots-26)
⠪ (braille pattern dots-246)

The vowel assignments follow international conventions.

References

  • Braille Notation Booklet on the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba Orthographies: A Research Work on Standard Braille Codes for the Blind in Nigeria, March 1981 – April 1982
  • UNESCO (2013) World Braille Usage, 3rd edition.