Tifinagh

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Tifinagh_alphabet

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Tifinagh_abjad

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Libyco-Berber_inscriptions_in_Oukaimeden,_Morocco

Tifinagh is an alphabet used by some Berber languages in North Africa. The script is believed to have descended from the ancient Libyco-Berber script, which was used by the Berbers in antiquity. Tifinagh is primarily used by the Tuareg people and has seen a revival in recent years due to cultural and linguistic movements.

History

The origins of Tifinagh can be traced back to the ancient Libyco-Berber script, which dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE. The script was used across a wide area of North Africa, from the Canary Islands to the Nile Valley. The modern Tifinagh script has evolved from these ancient inscriptions and has been adapted to suit contemporary needs.

Structure

Tifinagh is an abjad, meaning it primarily represents consonants, with vowels being optional or inferred. The script is written from left to right. There are several variations of Tifinagh, including the traditional Tuareg Tifinagh and the modern Neo-Tifinagh, which has been standardized for educational purposes.

Usage

Tifinagh is used by the Tuareg people for a variety of purposes, including personal correspondence, poetry, and cultural documentation. In recent years, there has been a push to incorporate Tifinagh into the educational systems of North African countries, particularly in Morocco and Algeria, as part of efforts to preserve and promote Berber languages and culture.

Revival and Modern Adaptation

The revival of Tifinagh has been part of a broader movement to recognize and promote Berber identity and language. In Morocco, for example, Tifinagh was officially adopted for the Berber language Tamazight in 2003. This has led to the development of educational materials and the inclusion of Tifinagh in public signage and media.

Related Pages

• Berber languages
• Tuareg people
• Libyco-Berber script
• Tamazight
• North Africa