Orthography Standardization

Abstract This chapter discusses the historical background to orthographies in African languages based on the Roman script, which poses challenges in particular with respect to the representation of vowels and tone. The development of such orthographies may be initiated as part of the intangible cultural heritage endeavor, more specifically the documentation of endangered languages or language diversity as part of human rights, but also for primary education or Bible translation purposes. In terms of language planning, three contrasting social models of orthography standardization are distinguished below: the laissez-faire model, the top-down model, and the community-based model. As further shown, common character inventories play a role at the intra-language as well as the language family level as well as on a national and international level. These practices are illustrated with two case studies, that of Ik in Uganda and that of Aja in Benin and Togo.