N'ko Language - Tutorial
Introduction
The Manden People
Manden people live mainly in West Africa, however other people of Manden origin can be found as far as India and Bangladesh.
They are also known as Bamanan, Dioula, Maninka-Mory, Maninka, Mandingo, Garo etc. The language they speak is known as Mandenkan, where the suffix -kan means "language of", and the suffix -ka means "the people of".
It is a combination of multiple languages, dialects, and accents.
Language Branches & Dialects
They comprise many sub-groups who speak various branches of the language. Some branches like Bamanan, Dioula, and Maninka differ only by dialect or simple accents.
Geographic Distribution:
- Vai - Liberia
- Kono - Sierra Leone
- Kissi - Republic of Guinea
- Dioula - Côte d'Ivoire
Note
The Vai, Kono, and Kissi dialects sound phonetically different from basic Mandenkan and may require some translation for other Manden speakers. They are nevertheless of the same Manden origin.
The Dioula dialect (Dioula means trader or businessperson) is a newer dialect and is easily understood by other Manden speakers.
N'Ko - The Clear Language
When Mandens from different sub-groups talk to each other, it is common practice for them to switch, consciously or sub-consciously, from their own dialect to a conventional dialect known as N'Ko or Kangbe (the clear language).
This is even true during conversations between:
- The Bamanans of Mali
- The Maninka-Moris of Guinea
- The Maninkos of Gambia or Senegal
Although pronunciations are practically the same.
Example
The word "Name" in different dialects:
- Bamanan: "Toko"
- Maninka: "Toh"
- N'Ko Written: T ߕߐ߯
In written communications, each will write it as T in N'Ko, yet read and pronounce it differently.