I hypothesize that a simple script[1] that models the ubiquitous rules of consonant mutation has the potential to lower the barrier to communicating in Fula and the broader Senegambian languages.
Aim 1: To create a writing system that is capable of modeling consonant mutation across all Senegambian languages
Speculated Problem: Current scripts are not intuitive for explaining consonant mutation.
Rationale: Senegambian languages rely heavily on consonant mutations; thus, there is a dire need for a script that highlights such a ubiquitous phenomenon.
Approach: I will use systematic trial-and-error to design the letters.
Aim 2: To lower the barrier to studying Fula as a second-language
Speculated Problem: Current scripts discourage students from studying Fula because the scripts are inherently incapable of explaining Fula syntax succinctly (corollary to Aim 1).
Rationale: By highlighting consonant mutations, a Senegambian script will enable students to intuit and rationalize the ‘inconsistencies’ in each Senegambian Language.[2]
Approach: Empower students with a theory of consonant mutation that mirrors the structural variations in the script.
Aim 3: To increase symmetric mutual intelligibility across the Fula dialect continuum
Speculated Problem: Consonant mutation may have catalyzed/intensified the divergence of Fula dialects upon Eastward migration from its birthplace in Senegal to central and northeastern Africa.
Rationale: Since consonant mutation accounts for the majority of variations in Fula dialects, understanding the theory of consonant mutation is a prerequisite for symmetric mutual intelligibility. A mutable script can be a primer for mutual intelligibility as it can highlight the mutations that led to the divergence of two or more dialects.
Approach: In addition to the inherent intuitiveness of a mutable script, I will normalize spelling systems so as to retain all consonant clusters and word-medial and word-final vowels.[3] This system can still permit regional variations in pronunciations (such as silencing certain vowels or consonant clusters) without being a cause for alarm to the trained eye.
Fair Warnings
On its own, this paper cannot serve as a primer for a beginner interested in speaking any Fula dialect for the first time. The paper is merely a proof of concept and a promise for what a rationally designed script can do. The examples herein are, at best, terse and general, and are appropriate for native speakers, non-native speakers with conversational level of proficiency, and anyone who is purely interested in surveying Fula syntax. Also, citations of the work of academics and otherwise by no means imply their endorsement or knowledge of this paper.
A Note about Sources
In addition to academic papers, I have leveraged personal experiences from the perspective of a native speaker of Fuuta-Jalon Pular, observations of immigrant parents and their children (my peers and siblings) in multicultural cities of Lagos and New York. Also, this is a paper written for the linked-in reader by an amateur/self-taught linguist. Citations are provided as hyperlinks rather than a bibliography to provide the reader instant yet burdensome access to databases whose contents are prone to changes overtime.
Summary:
Thus far, I have shared the motivation behind inventing a new writing system for Fula and the broader Senegambian languages. I went on to explain the three aims of this paper along with their respective rationales and approaches, which is to create a writing system that models consonant mutation, lowers the barrier to studying Fula as a second language, and increases mutual intelligibility among diverse speakers.
[1] I’m toying around with the idea of calling the script ‘Senegambian Mutograph’ or Waayliiɗi from the Fula verb ‘waaylu’ to change, a cognate of Wolof’s ‘waaca’ (to descend) and Sereer’s ‘waaj’ (to lower) -- all imply transforming, changing and mutating one letter to another. Accordingly, I may refer to the concept of mutation as Waayliingu, but addressing nomenclature is beyond the scope of this introductory paper. Alternatively, Saamkoore as in a script that falls – highlighting the fact that each character can be decomposed into one of four fundamental chanracters.
[2] In a world where the apparent inconsistencies are seen as a rational pattern of mutations, it would be safe to extrapolate that Senegambian languages would be studied by more than just the handful of revivalists, linguists, and Peace Corps volunteers that currently find interest in Senegambian Languages.
[3] For instance, the number 6 is literally referred to as ‘5 and 1’ in Fula. However, depending on the dialect the components {‘5’, ‘and’, ‘1’} are not always entirely enunciated. To improve intelligibility I would favor Jowi e Go’o over either Jeego’o or Jeegoo -- all of which refer to 6.