Understanding Qubee: History of the Oromo Alphabet
Hubannoo Qubee: Seenaa Afaan Oromoo
Published: 2024-03-21
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By Bilisummaa Academy Editorial Board
Executive Summary
The Qubee alphabet is the Latin-based script used for writing Afaan Oromoo. Formally adopted in 1991, its implementation marked a historic shift in Oromo literacy and linguistic identity, replacing previous scripts with a phonetically accurate system tailored to Cushitic phonology.
The Evolution of Qubee
Seenaa Qubee
The adoption of the Qubee script was the result of decades of research and linguistic struggle. Scholars determined that the Latin script was best suited to represent the phonetic nuances of Afaan Oromoo, particularly its unique vowel lengths and glottalized consonants.