Srijanga Script: An Introduction

An Introduction

The Srijanga script, also known as limbu Srijanga script, Kirat srijanga, is a writing system used by the Limbu people, primarily residing in eastern Nepal and parts of India, Bhutan, and Burma. The script is an essential part of the Limbu culture and is used to write the Limbu language.

In this article, we’ll explore the different components of the Limbu script, focusing on its consonants, dependent vowel signs, subjoined consonants, final consonants, and various special signs.

Consonants in the Limbu Script

The Limbu script consists of a variety of consonants, each with a unique representation and sound. Here’s a breakdown of some of the primary consonants:

ᤀ LIMBU VOWEL-CARRIER LETTER (1900): This letter is used as a base to attach vowel signs. It acts as a placeholder when a vowel starts a word.
ᤁ LIMBU LETTER ka (1901): Represents the sound “ka”
ᤂ LIMBU LETTER kha (1902): Represents the sound “kha”
ᤃ LIMBU LETTER ga (1903): Represents the sound “ga”
ᤄ LIMBU LETTER gha (1904): Represents the aspirated “gha”
ᤅ LIMBU LETTER nGa (1905): Represents the nasal “nga”
ᤆ LIMBU LETTER cha (1906): Represents the sound “cha”
ᤇ LIMBU LETTER chha (1907): Represents the aspirated “cha”
ᤈ LIMBU LETTER ja (1908): Represents the sound “ja”
ᤉ LIMBU LETTER jha (1909): Represents the aspirated “jha”
ᤋ LIMBU LETTER ta (190B): Represents the sound “ta”
ᤌ LIMBU LETTER tha (190C): Represents the aspirated “tha”
ᤍ LIMBU LETTER da (190D): Represents the sound “da”
ᤎ LIMBU LETTER dha (190E): Represents the aspirated “dha”
ᤏ LIMBU LETTER na (190F): Represents the sound “na”
ᤐ LIMBU LETTER pa (1910): Represents the sound “pa”
ᤑ LIMBU LETTER pha (1911): Represents the aspirated “pha”
ᤒ LIMBU LETTER ba (1912): Represents the sound “ba”
ᤓ LIMBU LETTER bha (1913): Represents the aspirated “bha”
ᤔ LIMBU LETTER ma (1914): Represents the sound “ma”
ᤕ LIMBU LETTER ya (1915): Represents the sound “ya”
ᤖ LIMBU LETTER ra (1916): Represents the sound “ra”
ᤗ LIMBU LETTER la (1917): Represents the sound “la”
ᤘ LIMBU LETTER wa (1918): Represents the sound “wa”
ᤙ LIMBU LETTER sha (1919): Represents the sound “sha”
ᤚ LIMBU LETTER ssa (191A): A specific consonant in the Limbu script.
ᤛ LIMBU LETTER sa (191B): Represents the sound “sa”
ᤜ LIMBU LETTER ha (191C): Represents the sound “ha”

Dependent Vowel Signs

In the Limbu script, vowels are represented using dependent vowel signs that attach to consonants:

ᤠ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN A (1920): Represents the vowel sound “a.”
ᤡ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN I (1921): Represents the vowel sound “i.”
ᤢ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN U (1922): Represents the vowel sound “u.”
ᤣ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN EE (1923): Represents the vowel sound “ee.”
ᤤ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN AI (1924): Represents the vowel sound “ai.”
ᤥ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN OO (1925): Represents the vowel sound “oo.”
ᤦ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN AU (1926): Represents the vowel sound “au.”
ᤧ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN E (1927): Represents the vowel sound “e.”
ᤨ LIMBU VOWEL SIGN O (1928): Represents the vowel sound “o.”

Subjoined Consonants

Subjoined consonants are used in the Limbu script to create compound consonants:

ᤩ LIMBU SUBJOINED LETTER Y (1929): Used to form compound consonants with “Y.”
ᤪ LIMBU SUBJOINED LETTER R (192A): Used to form compound consonants with “R.”
ᤫ LIMBU SUBJOINED LETTER W (192B): Used to form compound consonants with “W.”

Final Consonants

Final consonants in the Limbu script are smaller versions of consonants that appear at the end of syllables:

ᤰ LIMBU SMALL LETTER K (1930): Represents the final “k” sound.
ᤱ LIMBU SMALL LETTER ng (1931): Represents the final “ng” sound.
ᤳ LIMBU SMALL LETTER T (1933): Represents the final “t” sound.
ᤴ LIMBU SMALL LETTER N (1934): Represents the final “n” sound.
ᤵ LIMBU SMALL LETTER P (1935): Represents the final “p” sound.
ᤶ LIMBU SMALL LETTER M (1936): Represents the final “m” sound.
ᤷ LIMBU SMALL LETTER R (1937): Represents the final “r” sound.
ᤸ LIMBU SMALL LETTER L (1938): Represents the final “l” sound.

Various Signs

In addition to consonants and vowels, the Limbu script includes special signs that modify the sounds of the letters:

,=, LIMBU SIGN MUKPHRENG , (1939): A sign used in the script, often for tonal or phonetic adjustments.
᤺ LIMBU SIGN KEMPHRENG : (193A): Another special sign used in the script for specific phonetic purposes.

Conclusion

The srijanga Limbu script is rich with unique characters and symbols that represent the sounds of the Limbu language. Understanding the different components of this script is essential for reading and writing in Limbu. Whether you’re a linguist, a student of the Limbu language, or simply curious about this script, exploring these characters provides insight into the cultural heritage and linguistic practices of the Limbu people.