Malagasy, the national language of Madagascar, is a unique language with Austronesian roots. Learning the Malagasy alphabet is the first step in mastering this language. Unlike many languages, Malagasy has a relatively simple alphabet, borrowed from the Latin script, with a few unique aspects in pronunciation and usage.

Overview of the Malagasy Alphabet

• Script Type: Latin
• Number of Letters: 21 (5 vowels and 16 consonants)
• Unique Features: Malagasy alphabet omits some letters common in the Latin script and includes specific pronunciation rules.

Detailed Breakdown of the Malagasy Alphabet

Vowels

The Malagasy language contains 5 vowels, each with a distinct pronunciation.

1. A, a

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
   • Example Word: “Anakao” – meaning “You (plural)”

2. E, e

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bet.”
   • Example Word: “Eto” – meaning “Here”

3. I, i

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
   • Example Word: “Isika” – meaning “We”

4. O, o

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “more.”
   • Example Word: “Oroka” – meaning “Kiss”

5. U, u

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “food.”
   • Example Word: “Umbalahy” – meaning “Bull”

Consonants

Malagasy uses 16 consonants, each having its own pronunciation. Notably, the letters C, Q, U, W, and X are not used in traditional Malagasy.

1. B, b

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bat.”
   • Example Word: “Boky” – meaning “Book”

2. D, d

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example Word: “Dada” – meaning “Father”

3. F, f

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “fish.”
   • Example Word: “Fasika” – meaning “Sand”

4. G, g

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
   • Example Word: “Gisa” – meaning “Like”

5. H, h

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hello.”
   • Example Word: “Havana” – meaning “Relative”

6. J, j

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘j’ in “job.”
   • Example Word: “Joro” – meaning “Advice”

7. K, k

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
   • Example Word: “Kintana” – meaning “Star”

8. L, l

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “love.”
   • Example Word: “Lalana” – meaning “Road”

9. M, m

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “man.”
   • Example Word: “Maso” – meaning “Eye”

10. N, n

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “nice.”
    • Example Word: “Nosy” – meaning “Island”

11. P, p

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pen.”
    • Example Word: “Piso” – meaning “Cat”

12. R, r

    • Pronunciation: Trilled ‘r’ as in Spanish “perro.”
    • Example Word: “Rano” – meaning “Water”

13. S, s

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
    • Example Word: “Sekoly” – meaning “School”

14. T, t

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “tea.”
    • Example Word: “Tany” – meaning “Land”

15. V, v

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘v’ in “van.”
    • Example Word: “Vorona” – meaning “Bird”

16. Z, z

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘z’ in “zoo.”
    • Example Word: “Zaza” – meaning “Child”

Pronunciation Tips

• Vowel Consistency: Vowels in Malagasy are pronounced consistently and do not change like in English.
• Consonant Clusters: Unlike in English, consonant clusters are less common in Malagasy.
• Syllable Stress: Usually, the stress falls on the penultimate (second to last) syllable in a word.

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Practice with audio recordings and by repeating words.
• Writing Practice: Write down each letter and words to get familiar with the script.
• Reading Practice: Begin with simple texts to familiarize with word formations.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Use apps designed for Malagasy language learning.
• Online Courses and Tutorials: Find lessons and videos for further practice.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native Malagasy speakers.

Conclusion

Understanding the Malagasy alphabet is crucial for effective communication in Madagascar. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing is key to mastering the Malagasy language, opening the door to its rich cultural and linguistic heritage.