record_voice_over Alphabet and tones
The consonants of Fongbe
The fɔ̀ngbè language has 24 consonants, including 3 special letters (Ɖ, GB, KP) and several digraphs that don’t exist in English. Here is the complete list with their pronunciation.
The 18 « standard » consonants
These consonants are pronounced much as in English, with a few nuances:
Ɖ / ɖ — the retroflex D
The letter Ɖ ɖ (U+018A / U+0257) doesn’t exist in English. It is a « curled » D, pronounced by touching the back of the palate with the tongue.
You find it in extremely common words: ɖù (to eat), ɖò (to be located), ɖokpó (one). If you pronounce it like an ordinary D, the words remain understandable but sound « off ».
GB, KP, NY: 3 unique sounds
These combinations represent a single sound, not two letters.
Examples: Gbɔ̌ (goat), Kpɔ́ (panther), Nyɔnu (woman). Never split these letters into two syllables.
Mastering the alphabet is half the work
Once Ɖ, GB, KP and NY feel familiar, your ear and your mouth make fast progress. Practice out loud 5 minutes a day.
You’ve just read the lesson. Now listen to it.
This article gives you the forms. The Parlons Fongbe Academy gives you the voice: 79 video lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, every tone pronounced, every sentence repeated until your ear can follow.
One free trial lesson when you sign up.
- 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