Nilo-Saharan
Kanuri, Yerwa, Nigeria
“Nganndi Koyam, Nganndi Kayna” – Wisdom in Words, Wisdom in Action
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Speakers
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Language Overview
Kanuri, specifically the Yerwa dialect, is part of the Nilo-Saharan language family. It’s spoken by over 4 million people, predominantly in northeastern Nigeria. It’s also spoken in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
Market Insights
In regions where Kanuri is spoken, traditional media like radio is popular, but there’s an increasing shift towards digital platforms. Content that is culturally relevant and in line with local customs is highly appreciated.
Cultural Context
Kanuri society values respect for elders and authority. Understanding social hierarchies and the appropriate use of language in different contexts is important for localization.
Writing System and Typography
Kanuri uses a modified Arabic script called Ajami, and also the Latin script. Text usually flows right to left in Ajami and left to right in Latin script. Typography needs to accommodate these scripts.
Phonetics and Phonology
Kanuri’s phonology includes several unique sounds, some of which do not exist in English. This can pose pronunciation challenges for non-native speakers.
Grammatical Structure
Kanuri typically follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure. It has a complex system of verb conjugations and noun classes, differing significantly from English.
Media and Text Layout
Translation into Kanuri may result in text expansion, typically around 15-20%. Subtitling requires careful timing and spacing. Recommended character count per line is around 30-35 in Ajami script.
Localization Challenges
Challenges in localization include maintaining the linguistic and cultural integrity of the original content. Engaging native speakers and cultural experts is crucial for successful projects.
Technical Considerations
Compatibility with major software varies. Special attention is needed for script rendering, especially for the Ajami script, and cultural appropriateness in user interfaces.
Other information
Kanuri culture is known for its poetry and storytelling, often reflecting historical events and moral lessons.
Our Human Voices
https://flowficiency.com/demo/voice-player/en_US?lang=#N/A
Read about other languages in Nigeria
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