spellcheck Alphabet and tones
Fongbe digraphs: GB, KP, NY
In fɔ̀ngbè there are 3 digraphs (pairs of letters forming a single sound) that don’t exist in English: GB, KP and NY. Here is how to pronounce them correctly.
The GB sound
The digraph GB is pronounced by closing the lips and the back of the mouth at the same time, then releasing. It is a single sound, not a “G” followed by a “B”.
Verified words with GB:
The KP sound
The digraph KP works like GB but with the voiceless sound. You close the lips and the back of the mouth simultaneously, then release while breathing out without voicing.
Verified words with KP:
The NY sound
The digraph NY is pronounced like the “ny” in “canyon” (French “gn” in “magnifique”). It often appears at the beginning of words.
African digraphs
GB and KP are typical of the languages of the West African coast. They also exist in Yoruba, Ewe, Igbo and Wolof. Mastering them opens doors to other languages of the region.
A Fon specialty
The digraphs GB, KP and NY give fɔ̀ngbè a unique sound texture. A few hours of practice are enough to pronounce them naturally.
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- Getting started in Fon: the 4-step method — tones, first words, resources
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