Adlam Unicode Block

The Adlam Unicode block is a collection of characters in the Unicode Standard that represents the Adlam script, which is used primarily for writing the Fulani (or Fula) language. Fulani is spoken by the Fula people, a widespread ethnic group across several West African nations, including Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon. The Adlam script was invented in the late 1980s by two brothers, Ibrahima and Abdoulaye Barry, from Guinea, with the intent to preserve and promote their native language and culture. In contrast to the Latin or Arabic scripts previously used to write Fulani, Adlam was specifically designed to more accurately reflect the phonetic nuances of the language, offering a more natural and culturally resonant alternative.

Officially added to the Unicode Standard in June 2016 with the release of version 9.0, the Adlam block occupies the code points from U+1E900 to U+1E95F. The block contains a variety of character types integral to the writing system, including letters, numerals, punctuation, and modifiers. This inclusion in Unicode has significantly facilitated the digital representation and dissemination of the Fulani language, allowing for wider use in global communication technologies. In addition to aiding language preservation, the digitization of the Adlam script also supports initiatives aimed at educational development and literacy improvement among the Fula-speaking population. Through digital platforms, the script has gained greater accessibility and visibility, contributing to its ongoing revival and cultural significance.

View a range of fonts that support the Adlam block.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the Adlam unicode block. Currently there are 88 characters in this block.