Mmuock language

Mmuock, alternatively Mmock, is the language of the Mmuock (Mmock) people of western Cameroon. A writing system is based on the Latin script.

Mmuock is a tonal language: the phrase a la u la can mean at least 10 different things depending on the tone on the ⟨a⟩ and the ⟨u⟩:¹

1. A la u lā. Cry if she cries. (a: she, lèlā: to cry, u: you)
2. A la u là. Cook it if she cries. (lèlá: to cook)
3. A lâ u lā. Cry if she cooks it.
4. A lâ u là. Cook it if she cooks it.
5. A la̋ u lā. She has cooked it and you have cried.
6. A la̋ u là. She has cooked it and you have cooked.
7. A lă u là. (a habitual aspect) She cries and you cook it.
8. A lă u lā. (a habitual aspect) She cries and you cry.
9. A lǎ ù lá. You will cry when she will cry (near future).
10. A lǎ ù là. You will cook it when she will cry (near future).
11. Ă là ù là. You will cook when she will cook it (near future).
12. Ă là ù lá. You will cry when she will cook it (near future).

The Mmuock alphabet referenced herein has notations for fifteen tones and forty letters.²

Some Unix-like operating systems such as Linux provide an XKB keyboard layout for the Mmuock alphabet. The keyboard layout is a variant of the layout for Cameroon English.³

Under Microsoft Windows, Android, the iPhone and iPad, a keyboard layout is available that uses Keyman keyboard layouts.⁴

Welcome

Zàlèsǣh (to one person)

Peì zàlèsǣh (to more than one person)

Enjoy your stay

Zàlènáng (to one person)

Peì zàlènáng (to more than one person)

How do you do?

À la ká? (to a non-elder)

What’s up? (casual)

Ǹgálé?

Bon appetit / Have a nice meal

À tsá Ńtsēr

Bon voyage / Have a good journey

Qei lènda (to one person)

Peì qéí lènda (to more than one person)

Thank you

M nkongtè wúó (to one person)

M nkongtè wéí (to more than one person)

Thanks!

M nkongte̋