An ancient writing system confounding myths about Africa
The ancient writing system of N'Ko is confounding myths about Africa being a literate continent with a rich history.
Details
N'Ko, which uses symbols to represent sounds, is believed to be one of the earliest writing systems developed in Africa. It dates back to the 17th century and was created by the Kingdom of Kaarta, which was located in present-day Senegal. With its unique characteristics, it's been deemed one of the first written forms of the Manding language.
Some experts are hoping that embracing N'Ko and other historical African writing systems can help shift attitudes and provide a more accurate depiction of the continent's past. Increasing literacy rates and providing accurate information about African history is vital to developing a cohesive global perspective.
What's Next?
Campaigns aiming to revive and preserve ancient scripts like N'Ko have become increasingly popular, and there is a push to include these writing systems in educational curricula to promote cultural awareness and pride. Teachers are beginning to incorporate the writing system into lesson plans and educational materials, and they are thrilled to have their students learn about the significance of a script that has helped shape the region's culture and history.
