World’s Shortest Alphabet

In English, we are familiar with a twenty-six letter alphabet. However, languages feature many different kinds of vowels, alphabets, and character systems. One especially unique alphabet belongs to the Rotokas language from Papua New Guinea. It is spoken on the coast of an island named Bougainville and has three main dialects, which are known as Central Rotokas, Pipipaia, and Aita Rotokas.

As the title would suggest, this language has broken the record for having the world’s smallest alphabet with only twelve letters and eleven distinct sounds. The letters are as follows: A, E, I, G, K, O, P, R, S, T, U, and V. Interestingly, the language uses double vowels to show long sounds; for instance, “aa.”

While the Central Rotokas and Aita dialects are generally the same language, they have a few distinctions and unique features. Central Rotokas has only six consonants that are divided into “voiced,” which are produced with the vibration of vocal cords, and “voiceless,” which can be made with the tongue, throat, and lips. The Aita dialect, though, features nine consonants and therefore more sounds. Additionally, Aita Rotokas does not possess a vowel length distinction. Its simpler phonetics allows for a straightforward pronunciation and spelling system. 

Despite the many unique and highly interesting aspects of its alphabet, Rotokas is one amongst many other endangered languages. With only 4,300 speakers, this language is at risk of being overtaken and forgotten with the arrival of other more common languages. This is why it is crucial that we make an effort to learn and teach endangered languages to preserve their unique linguistic elements. With all the languages in the history of humankind, it’s necessary to acknowledge their culture and history. Through this article, I hope you've gained an appreciation for the magnificent language and alphabet of Rotokas.