Introduction
On Sunday, 26th January 2025, FlexiSAF hosted an insightful webinar titled “Preserving Fulfulde: Addressing Endangerment and Promoting Standardisation Agenda,” aimed at discussing the vital preservation and standardisation of the Fulfulde language. This event, held at the FlexiSAF Headquarters in Abuja, brought together scholars, linguists, educators, and cultural advocates to engage in an enriching dialogue about the future of Fulfulde and the challenges it faces in the modern world.
A Deep Dive into Language Endangerment and Solutions
The webinar began with a powerful opening prayer, followed by an introduction to the urgent issues surrounding the endangerment of Fulfulde. One of the key points discussed was the increasing dominance of English, Hausa, and French over Fulfulde in various parts of Nigeria. Experts presented research on the gradual decline of indigenous languages and shared compelling reasons for language endangerment, including globalization, urbanization, and the influence of national languages in education and governance.
Endangered Fulfulde: Why and How to Preserve It
During the session, participants explored the reasons behind the decline of Fulfulde, such as the shift towards major languages like English and Hausa in schools, media, and daily life. Discussions focused on practical solutions for reversing this trend and revitalizing Fulfulde through educational policies, community-based initiatives, and the active use of the language in both formal and informal settings.
Presentation on Lomto (Noun Classes)
A significant portion of the webinar was dedicated to Lomto, the noun class system that plays a fundamental role in the grammatical structure of Fulfulde. Speakers emphasized its importance in preserving the language’s unique identity and how it contributes to the clarity and richness of Fulfulde expression. Practical examples of Lomto in use were provided to help the audience understand its relevance in modern communication.
Exploring Quranic Fulfulde and “Booko”
A notable segment of the webinar focused on the translation of Quranic chapters (Suras) into Fulfulde, exploring the names of these chapters and their significance within the Fulfulde-speaking Muslim community. The session also explored the origins of the term “Booko,” explaining its development and the role of Fulɓe Islamic scholars in its creation.
The Challenge of Standardizing Fulfulde
Standardisation remains one of the biggest hurdles facing the language, and experts shed light on the complexities of achieving uniformity in Fulfulde across the different regions where it is spoken. A representative from VOA Fulfulde provided insights into the efforts being made to standardize the language, highlighting the challenges and opportunities this process presents.
Translation Exercise
One of the highlights of the event was an interactive translation exercise, where attendees participated in translating common English and Hausa words into Fulfulde. The discussion explored neglected Fulfulde terms and their cultural relevance, such as:
- Mirage = Faayallo
- Chain = Callallu
- Horizon = Bonngonnge
- Ceiling = Murɗaaka
- Brake = Labangal
- Ango (Neglected Fulfulde) = Hurnanaaɗo, Ɓangnanaaɗo.
This exercise sparked a lively debate about the importance of reviving these neglected terms to preserve the richness of the language.
Exhibition Tour: A Journey Through Fulfulde History
To wrap up the event, participants were given an opportunity to tour an exhibition that featured exhibits representing the development of Fulfulde manuscripts. These included:
- Arabic/Ajami Manuscripts
- Roman, Latin/Ajami Manuscripts
- Pioneers of Fulfulde Poetry
- Recitation Samples
- Transliteration/Transcription
This exhibit provided a visual and intellectual exploration of the evolution of Fulfulde language and literature, offering attendees a deeper appreciation of the significance of these texts.
Watch the Full Webinar Playlist
For those who missed the event or wish to revisit the thought-provoking discussions, we have made the full webinar available on YouTube. Click below to watch the entire session and explore the future of Fulfulde language preservation.
Link to Full Webinar Playlist on YouTube
This engaging webinar marked an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of Fulfulde, a language that is not just spoken but is a fundamental part of the cultural identity of millions. With a focus on standardisation and revitalization, the discussions ignited a sense of urgency and hope for the future of Fulfulde. As experts and community leaders continue to work towards these goals, it is clear that the preservation of Fulfulde is not only possible but necessary for the generations to come.
