Foreword

 

The Naami-English dictionary and English-Naami Index has been prepared primarily for speakers of the Naami language, though it will also be of interest to non-Naami speakers who desire to learn or study the language. The dictionary will serve to:

  • establish a written tradition among the Bebe people.
  • establish standards for spelling words, compound words, and clarifying word boundaries in conformity with the Naami Orthography Guide.
  • preserve Naami words that may fall into disuse as time passes and language shift occurs.
  • be a resource book or reference source for all teachers and students of the Naami language.
  • help non-Naami speakers learn to understand and appreciate Naami as a spoken and written language.
  • help language researchers who seek word lists of an African language.
  • Raise the status of the Naami language in joining the ranks of all other written languages throughout the world.