The Maine Humanities Council has published the third edition of “A Somali Alphabet,” which offers Somalis in Maine and around the country an opportunity to preserve their rich heritage and language while learning to read and write English.

The new edition is available to schools, libraries and individuals. The council is also promoting and sending the book to Minnesota, Vermont, Ohio, Ontario and other areas with significant Somali communities.

“A Somali Alphabet” includes English pronunciations of the Somali words featured on every page and a new section full of tips for teachers and a description of the Somali language.

It also has a compact disc with Somali-born Portland resident Awralla Hashi-Aldus reading the book aloud in Somali, and Brita Zitin reading it in English.

For more information about the book, contact Zitin at the Maine Humanities Council, 866-ME-READER or visit www.mainehumanities.org.

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