A Look at Nubian Literature

Like the other forms of Nubian art, the Nubian language has its roots in the ancient population of the Nile River spanning from Aswan in today's Egypt to Khartoum in Sudan. In fact, the Nubian language is a form of art, due to its melodious intonation that easily translates into poesy and songs. With its first written traces in the temple of Abu Simbel built in the 12th century B.C., the Old Nubian language alternated between periods in which it was written - as in ancient Meroitinc inscriptions in today's Northern Sudan - and periods in which the language was passed on orally. Recently, efforts from Nubian scholars brought the language back to a structured form written in the Nubian alphabet, derived from Greek and Coptic letters with some letters adapted to the specific sounds in Nubian. Extensive efforts are done to revive Nobiin and Kenzi, both derived from Old Nubian, by teaching the language to the young generation and Nubians whose parents were displaced from their villages of origin due to the construction of consecutive dams and the formation of Lake Nasser, that drowned a large portion of Nubian lands.

During the past century, Nubian literature experienced a similar strengthened interest, thanks to the novels of outstanding Nubian writers and the prolific love for poems among the Nubian people, many of which are expressed in marvelous Nubian songs. Similar to proverbs, that have ancient roots of popular wisdom, songs and poems as well helped preserve and carry on the knowledge of the language. They carry on the essence of Nubian heritage and traditions, describing all aspects of life within the Nubian society - from love to work to travel to joy and sorrow, and often contain a message inciting to ethical behavior and respect for the outstanding moral values inherent to the noble Nubian society.