Margi by Hoffmann (1963), Marghi by Ndahi (2013) and Margi/Marghi by Dunama (2026) Both Are Correct
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study resolves a 63-year orthographic controversy: Is it Margi or Marghi? Hoffmann (1963) used 'Margi' in his seminal work 'A Grammar of the Margi Language'. Ndahi (2013) and modern community use 'Marghi' with 'h'. This paper by Dunama (2026), through archival analysis, phonological evidence (/ɣ/ sound), and community consultation, argues that BOTH are correct - representing diachronic and dialectal validity. Hoffmann (1963) = Margi (British colonial orthography)Ndahi (2013) = Marghi (Modern Nigerian orthography with gh for /ɣ/)Dunama (2026) = Marghi (Madagali Dialect) / Margu (Native endonym - what people call themselves) Conclusion: Hoffmann's Margi and Ndahi's Marghi refer to same people; variation is orthographic history, not different tribe. This paper adopts Marghi for linguistic accuracy while retaining citation of Hoffmann's original Margi. Keywords: Margi, Marghi, Margu, Hoffmann 1963, Ndahi 2013, Dunama 2026, Orthography, Chadic, Madagali, Adamawa, Borno Author: Dunama U Fiauɗu (also known as Dunama Umaru / Emmanuel Janada)Institution: Marghi Language Institute Online, YolaDOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23830745Published: 2026-10-31
Author: Fiauɗu, Dunama U
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7224991745