Lesson 9: Language families
Video Lesson
Lesson Objectives
After learning this lesson, you will be able to:
- identify the major language families of Ethiopia and the Horn;
- make a list of languages grouped under each language families;
- develop a sense of pride in the Ethiopian alphabet;
- place their mother tongue in its proper language family;
- appreciate the linguistic diversity of Ethiopia and the Horn.
Brainstorming Questions
- What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having many languages spoken in a given country?
- How many languages in Ethiopia have an indigenous script? What is the difference between spoken and written language?
Key terms and Concepts
- Diversity
- Language family
refers to the presence of a wide range of different elements or characteristics within a group, community, or environment. It emphasizes variation and inclusivity, often encompassing differences in ethnicity, race, culture, language, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities or attributes.
is a group of languages that are historically and linguistically related, sharing a common ancestor known as a proto-language. Languages within the same family typically exhibit similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and phonology due to their shared evolutionary descent. Example Afro-asiatic, Nilo-Saharan etc. language family
3.1.1. Languages Families
Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa are home to a diverse linguistic landscape, with Ethiopia being notable for its unique Ethiopic script, possibly the only indigenous alphabet in Africa. Approximately 85 languages are spoken in the region, categorized into four main proto-language groups spoken in Africa: Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-Saharan, Niger-Congo, and Khoisan. Afro-Asiatic and Nilo-Saharan are particularly prominent in Ethiopia and the Horn. The Afro-Asiatic super-family has six main families Cushitic, Omotic, Semitic, Berber, Chadic, and ancient Egyptian. Among these Cushitic, Omotic, and Semitic spans across northern, central, northeastern, and the Horn of Africa, shaping the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.
Cushitic: – The majority of the peoples of Ethiopia and the Horn are speakers of the Cushitic family, which is sub-divided into four branches.
| Cushitic Branch | Languages | Regions |
| North Cushitic | Beja | North-western Eritrea, adjoining areas of Sudan |
| Central Cushitic | Bilen | Bogos or Keren area of Eritrea |
| Agaw languages | Spoken by Bilen, Agaw, Hamtang, Qimant, Awign peoples | |
| East Cushitic | Highland East Cushitic | |
| Hadiya, Kambata, Sidama, Gedeo, Halaba, Burji, Libido | South-central highlands of Ethiopia | |
| Lowland East Cushitic | ||
| Afan Oromo (Oromo), Afar, Somali, Konso, Gidole, Erbore, Dassanach, Saho | Various regions in Ethiopia and surrounding areas | |
| Southern Cushitic | Iraqw, Burunge, and Gorowa | Tanzania |
Semitic. The Semitic languages of Ethiopia and the Horn are generally known as Ethio- Semitic. This is mainly to distinguish Semitic languages spoken in other parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, such as Arabic and Hebrew. The Ethio-Semitic languages are sub- divided into two: North Ethio- Semitic and South Ethio-Semitic.
| Ethio-Semitic Branch | Languages | status |
| North Ethio-Semitic | Tigre | |
| Tigrigna | ||
| Ge’ez (Classical Ethiopic) | Liturgical language in Orthodox Tewahido Church | |
| South Ethio-Semitic | Gafat | Extinct |
| Gurage | ||
| Amharic | ||
| Argoba | ||
| Harari | ||
| Silti |
Omotic:- The Omotic languages are predominantly spoken in Southern and Southwestern Ethiopia. The distribution of Omotic speakers includes Wolaita, Gamo, Gofa, Dawro, Konta, Dizi, Kafa, Maji, Ari, Sheko, Dorze, Yem in various parts of Southern Ethiopia.
Shinasha and South Ma’o are also identified as Omotic speakers, located in Benishangul-Gumuz and Wallagaa regions respectively.
| Omotic Language | Regions |
| Wolaita | Southern Ethiopia |
| Gamo | Southern Ethiopia |
| Gofa | Southern Ethiopia |
| Dawro | Southern Ethiopia |
| Konta | Southern Ethiopia |
| Dizi | Southern Ethiopia |
| Kafa | Southern Ethiopia |
| Maji | Southern Ethiopia |
| Ari | Southern Ethiopia |
| Sheko | Southern Ethiopia |
| Dorze | Southern Ethiopia |
| Yem | Southern Ethiopia |
| Shinasha | Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State |
| South Ma’o | South-western Wallagaa, Oromia Region |
Nilo-Sahara:– The majority of Nilo-Saharan language speakers in Ethiopia are concentrated in Benishangul-Gumuz and Gambella regional states. Outside Ethiopia, Nilo-Saharan languages are spoken in Eastern Sahara, upper Nile valley, areas around Lake Victoria in East and Central Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
| Nilo-Saharan Language | Regions in Ethiopia |
| Anuak | Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella |
| Nuer | Gambella |
| Majang | Benishangul-Gumuz |
| Mien | Benishangul-Gumuz |
| Berta | Benishangul-Gumuz |
| Gumuz | Benishangul-Gumuz |
| Komo | Benishangul-Gumuz |
| Ma’o | Gambella |
| Kunama | Western Tigray, Southwestern Eritrea |