# Somali Scripts!

> Learn and practice indigenous Somali alphabets: Osmanya, Borama, and Kaddare. (iPhone/iPad app by Ethan Hartzell.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/somali-scripts/id6447641686 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ethan Hartzell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1598601070)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-04-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/somali-scripts/id6447641686/reviews.md

## What is Somali Scripts!?

This app can help you get to know some of the indigenous Somali alphabets. Scroll through the letters and study their shapes and sounds. Practice tracing each one until you're familiar-- then quiz yourself on the letters!
		The three scripts presented are Osmanya, Borama/Gadabuursi, and Kaddare. Each one is interesting and has its short history.
		Unfortunately, most are not widely used since the Somali government's decision to adopt the Latin alphabet. Osmanya is the only indigenous Somali script included in unicode.

		This is the Osmanya alphabet. It is called Farta Cismaanya, also known as Far Soomaali.
		It was invented between 1920 and 1922 by Osman Yusuf Kenadid, the son of Sultan Yusuf Ali Kenadid and brother of Sultan Ali Yusuf Kenadid of the Sultanate of Hobyo.
		It has a numbering system and is written left-to-right. In the 1970s it reached fairly widespread use in personal correspondance, bookkeeping, and even some books and magazines.
		Its use declined sharply after the Somali government's official adoption of the the Latin alphabet. It is the only indigenous Somali script currently included in unicode.
		This is the Kaddare alphabet. It was created in 1052 by a Sufi Sheikh named Hussein Sheikh Ahmed Kaddare of the Abgaal Hawiye clan.
		The Kaddare script uses both upper and lower case letters, with the lower case represented in cursive. Many characters are transcribed without having to lift the pen.
		We list the uppercase letters first, with the lower-case ones underneath. The lower-case letters are repeated at the bottom of the list where they are shown above the capital letters.
		The Gadabuursi script also known as the Borama alphabet is a writing script for the Somali language. It was devised around 1933 by Sheikh Abdurahman Sheikh Nuur of the Gadabuursi clan.
		Though not as widely known as Osmanya, the other major orthography for transcribing Somali, Borama has produced a notable body of literature mainly consisting of qasidas (poems).
		This Borama script was principally used by Sheikh Nuur, his circle of associates in the city and some of the merchants in control of trade in Zeila and Borama. Students of Sheikh Nuur were also trained in the use of this script.

## Key features

- Study indigenous Somali alphabets
- Learn letter shapes and sounds
- Practice tracing letters
- Quiz yourself on letter recognition
- Discover historical context for each script


## Frequently asked questions about Somali Scripts!

### What indigenous Somali alphabets does Somali Scripts! teach?

Somali Scripts! teaches three indigenous Somali alphabets: Osmanya, Borama (also known as Gadabuursi), and Kaddare. Each script is presented with its unique characteristics and historical background.

### How does Somali Scripts! help users learn the alphabets?

The app allows users to scroll through the letters, study their shapes and sounds, and practice tracing them. It also includes a quiz feature to test user familiarity with the letters.

### What is the history behind the Osmanya alphabet?

The Osmanya alphabet, also called Farta Cismaanya, was invented between 1920 and 1922 by Osman Yusuf Kenadid. It was once widely used for personal correspondence and publications before the adoption of the Latin alphabet.

### Is Somali Scripts! available on multiple devices?

Based on the provided data, Somali Scripts! is supported on iPhone and iPod devices. Further platform compatibility details may be available from the developer.

### When was Somali Scripts! last updated?

Somali Scripts! was last updated on April 13, 2023, with version 1.0. This indicates it is a relatively new application.

### What is the age rating for Somali Scripts!?

Somali Scripts! has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and general audiences interested in the subject matter.

### Does Somali Scripts! have ads?

No, Somali Scripts! does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use without any ad interruptions.

### What is the user sentiment for Somali Scripts!?

The app has received a perfect rating of 5.0 stars from one review, suggesting a highly positive initial user experience. This indicates users are finding the app valuable for learning Somali scripts.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2023-04-13

No release notes.

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## More apps by Ethan Hartzell

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- [한국어 수화 - 수한글](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1598958710)
- [指文字!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1598991394)
- [Learn Tifinagh! تعلم التيفيناغ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-tifinagh/id1602031817)
- [Learn Telugu Script!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-telugu-script/id1608624029)
- [Learn Telugu Script! (Premium)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-telugu-script-premium/id1609300048)

All apps by Ethan Hartzell: https://appshunter.io/developer/1598601070

## Related topics

[somali](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/somali)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*