Cham Unicode Script

The Cham script is an abugida used to write the Cham language, which is spoken predominantly by the Cham people in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. Originating from the ancient Brahmi script of India, it has evolved over the centuries, showcasing a fascinating blend of Indic and indigenous graphical elements. The script is primarily composed of consonants, with inherent vowel sounds that can be altered by adding diacritics. As an abugida, each character or consonant has an inherent vowel sound that can be changed with the use of diacritics. This script reflects the cultural and historical interchange between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, illustrating the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region.

The Cham script is unique among Southeast Asian scripts due to its distinctive set of characters and diacritics that allow for an array of vowel sounds to be represented. While it has seen a decline in usage due to various socio-political factors and language shifts among the Cham communities, efforts are underway to revive and sustain its usage, both as a cultural heritage and an academic interest. The Unicode Consortium has encoded the Cham script to provide digital accessibility and preservation. Today, the resurgence of interest in the Cham language and its script is part of a broader movement to reclaim indigenous identities and promote linguistic diversity in the digital age.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the 'Cham' unicode script category. Currently there are 83 characters in this category.