In an effort to save endangered languages and civilizations, Microsoft has unveiled a new typeface.
The Pulaar language, which is spoken by the Fulani people in West Africa, is in risk of extinction. In order to conserve this language, Microsoft and McCann New York have worked along with brothers Ibrahima and Abdoulaye Barry to develop a typeface called ADLaM Display. In 1989, the Barry brothers carefully transcribed the Pulaar alphabet, which had never been written down previously. This was a historical first. In order to facilitate the standardization of the alphabet, Microsoft increased their digitization efforts and worked in conjunction with typeface designers. ADLaM Display, which literally translates to "the alphabet that will prevent the culture, the people, from disappearing," has been incorporated into the tools that are being offered by Microsoft 365 and is now available for download. It has been formally acknowledged by the government of Mali that the alphabet exists, and there are plans to implement it in public schools.
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