Nigerian braille

In this article we are going to explore the fascinating world of Nigerian braille. Whether we are talking about the life of a historical figure, a current topic, an important date or any other relevant topic, Nigerian braille is a topic that undoubtedly captures our attention. Along these lines, we are going to delve into its importance, analyze its implications and discover why Nigerian braille is so relevant these days. Join us on this journey of discovery and be surprised by everything we have to learn about Nigerian braille.

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.