abc Alphabet and tones
The Fongbe alphabet: 32 letters
Written fɔ̀ngbè uses an alphabet of 32 letters derived from the Latin alphabet with specific additions (Ɖ, Ɛ, Ɔ). Here is the complete tour, letter by letter.
schedule 6 min
signal_cellular_alt Beginner
1
Vowels
7 vowels
aLike the “a” in “father”
eLike the “ay” in “say” (closed)
ɛLike the “e” in “bed” (open)
iLike the “ee” in “see”
oLike the “o” in “go” (closed)
ɔLike the “aw” in “law” (open)
uLike the “oo” in “food”
2
Simple consonants
15 common consonants
b · d · ɖb, d, retroflex d
f · g · has in English
j · k · las in English
m · n · ɲm, n, ny as in “canyon” (palatal)
p · s · tas in English
v · w · yas in English
zas in English
3
Digraphs
10 compound sounds
gbLabial-velar stop
kpVoiceless counterpart of gb
nyLike the “ny” in “canyon”
hwH + w
shLike English “sh”
ts · dzAffricate
Gbɛ̀
Life — example of “gb”
Note
The exact count varies by source: 32 letters including digraphs, 27 without. The CENALA standard officially recognizes 32 graphemes.
32 letters for life
Mastering the complete Fongbe alphabet = being able to read any Fon text. The 32 letters can be memorized in 1 week of daily practice.
A fɔn ganji à ?
« Did you wake up well? » — lesson 1, free
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Go further
- Getting started in Fon: the 4-step method — tones, first words, resources
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test