edit_note Fongbe basics

Writing Fon correctly

Writing in fɔ̀ngbè isn’t something you can improvise: a specific alphabet, tones, word division. Here is a practical guide to going from French or English to written Fon while respecting the official spelling (CENALA).

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Rule 1

One letter = one sound

Fon is phonetic : you write what you hear.

éAlways a closed “e” (as in “say”)
ɛAlways an open “e” (as in “bed”)
óAlways a closed “o” (as in “go”)
ɔAlways an open “o” (as in “law”)
ɖAlways a retroflex D
mɛ vs me
“mɛ” person — “me” would be incorrect
2
Rule 2

Mark the tones

Without tones, a word loses its meaning:

xóWord, speech (high)
xòTo hit (low)
MistakeWriting “xo” = ambiguous
CENALAOfficial spelling standard

This lesson on video, with a native speaker: Parlons Fongbe Academy — 79 video lessons with a native speaker.Discover

3
Rule 3

Dividing words correctly

Compound words are joined or separated according to rules:

Axɔ́súxwéRoyal palace — one word
Mì kú weThree separate words
Akwɛ́gbɛ̀Prosperity — one word
Ðò ayìkúngbanOn the earth — separate
tips_and_updates

Tool

In Benin, The CENALA Fongbe vocabulary gives the official spelling. When in doubt, check before publishing or printing.

Writing = respecting

Writing Fon correctly = honoring the language. The 3 rules (1 sound/1 letter, marked tones, word division) are enough for 90% of cases.

A fɔn ganji à ?
« Did you wake up well? » — lesson 1, free
Parlons Fongbe Academy
The full course

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.

79 video lessons Native speaker from Cotonou Lifetime access, one payment
Access the course

Site offer · 80 000 instead of50,000 FCFA

One free trial lesson when you sign up.

Go further