Santali Alphabet Chart | ᱚᱞ ᱪᱤᱠᱤ
The Santali alphabet uses the Ol Chiki script with 30 letters, created specifically for the Santali language in 1925.
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Understanding Santali Letters
Santali can be written in several scripts, but Ol Chiki is a dedicated script created for writing Santali. It uses full letters for both vowels and consonants and is written left to right.
Because vowels are full letters, Ol Chiki often feels more alphabet-like to beginners than other South Asian scripts. This makes the chart a strong starting point: learn shapes, then read them in sequences.
Start with recognition of the core letters and practice short strings. Once recognition is stable, reading becomes much smoother.
Reading Santali in Ol Chiki
Read Ol Chiki by decoding one letter at a time and blending into syllables. The script is designed for direct reading once you know the shapes.
If two letters look similar, compare them and find one anchor detail that always distinguishes them. One strong visual hook is often enough.
Practice by reading short sequences from the chart, then mixing them. Mixing prevents “memorized order” from hiding confusion.
How to Write Santali Letters Properly
Ol Chiki does not use uppercase and lowercase like English. Your writing goal is consistent proportions, clear curves, and steady spacing so each symbol stays distinct.
Write slowly at first and repeat each letter several times. Then write it inside short sequences to build flow.
Use contrast practice for look-alike letters. Alternate the two shapes and read them back until the difference is automatic.
Use the worksheet for repetition and recall. Copy a small set today, then rewrite it tomorrow from memory.
Learning Tips for Santali Script
Learn in small sets and review daily. Unfamiliar scripts become easy when shapes feel familiar.
Use one short “shape description” per letter as an anchor. This often helps memory more than long explanations.
Aim for recognition first, then writing speed. Speed follows naturally once recognition is stable.
Practice Santali With Downloads
Use the PDF as a printed chart, the image for quick reference, and the worksheet for writing drills. A clean chart nearby helps you correct small shape errors immediately.
Pick a small set of letters today, practice them well, and expand gradually. Santali becomes comfortable once the core shapes feel automatic.