Ethiopia

Amharic

[amh] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1994, Constitution, Art 5(2)). 56,900,000 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 31,800,000 in Ethiopia (2018). L2 users: 25,100,000 (2019). 14,800,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 29,300,000 (2018). Total users in all countries: 57,466,560 (as L1: 32,366,560; as L2: 25,100,000).

2 (Provincial)

Afar

[aar] 2 (Provincial). De facto language of provincial identity in Afar Region. 1,862,800 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 1,840,000 in Ethiopia (2018). L2 users: 22,800. 906,000 monolinguals (1994 census). Total users in all countries: 2,563,800 (as L1: 2,541,000; as L2: 22,800).

Oromo, West Central

[gaz] 2 (Provincial). De facto language of provincial identity in Oromia Region. West Central Oromo [gaz] is lingua franca of the area. 19,100,000 in Ethiopia (2018). 36,600,000 all Oromo speakers in Ethiopia (2018 World Factbook). Ethnic population: 30,000,000. Total users in all countries: 19,196,000.

Somali

[som] 2 (Provincial). De facto language of provincial identity in Somali Region. 6,815,600 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 6,720,000 in Ethiopia (2018). L2 users: 95,600. 2,880,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 6,720,000 (2018).

Tigrigna

[tir] 2 (Provincial). De facto language of provincial identity in Tigray Region. 6,537,000 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 6,390,000 in Ethiopia (2018). L2 users: 147,000. 2,820,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 6,610,000 (2018).

3 (Wider communication)

Arabic, Sudanese Spoken

[apd] 3 (Wider communication).

Arabic, Ta’izzi-Adeni Spoken

[acq] 3 (Wider communication). We are not reporting an L1 community in this country, but are reporting it being used as an L2 by a number of local languages. Therefore it is an LWC.

Wolaytta

[wal] 3 (Wider communication). 2,469,800, all users. L1 users: 2,380,000 (2018). L2 users: 89,800. 1,000,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,490,000 (2018).

4 (Educational)

Aari

[aiw] 4 (Educational). 298,300, all users. L1 users: 285,000 (2007 census). Includes Gayil [gyl] speakers. L2 users: 13,300. 129,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 290,000 (2007 census). Includes Gayil [gyl].

Ale

[gwd] 4 (Educational). 85,670, all users. L1 users: 84,300 (2017). L2 users: 1,370. 27,500 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 68,600 (2007 census).

Basketo

[bst] 4 (Educational). 101,560, all users. L1 users: 92,600 (2007 census). L2 users: 8,960. 42,800 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 78,300 (2007 census).

Bench

[bcq] 4 (Educational). 370,600, all users. L1 users: 348,000 (2007 census). 14,300 Mer. L2 users: 22,600. 150,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 352,000 (2007 census).

Berta

[wti] 4 (Educational). 213,500 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 197,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 16,500. 99,700 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 199,000 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 393,500 (as L1: 377,000; as L2: 16,500).

Dawro

[dwr] 4 (Educational). 533,000, all users. L1 users: 513,000 (2007 census). 81,600 Konta (2007 census). L2 users: 20,000. 260,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 538,000 (2007 census). 83,600 Konta (2007 census).

Dirasha

[gdl] 4 (Educational). 80,500, all users. L1 users: 73,500 (2007 census). 15,300 Dirasha, 49,900 Gidole, 8,250 Kusumitta (2007 census). L2 users: 7,000. Ethnic population: 92,000 (2020 Local census).

Dizin

[mdx] 4 (Educational). 35,950, all users. L1 users: 33,900 (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 2,050. 17,600 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 34,700 (2007 census).

English

[eng] 4 (Educational). 241,870 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 1,870 in Ethiopia (2010 UNSD). L2 users: 240,000 (2018).

Gamo

[gmv] 4 (Educational). 1,654,400, all users. L1 users: 1,630,000 (2018), increasing. L2 users: 24,400. 600,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,630,000 (2018).

Gedeo

[drs] 4 (Educational). 1,458,000, all users. L1 users: 1,410,000 (2018). L2 users: 48,000. 439,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,410,000 (2018).

Gofa

[gof] 4 (Educational). 392,400, all users. L1 users: 359,000 (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 33,400. 190,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 362,000 (2007 census).

Gumuz

[guk] 4 (Educational). 165,380 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 161,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 4,380. 88,200 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 164,000 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 253,380 (as L1: 249,000; as L2: 4,380).

Hadiyya

[hdy] 4 (Educational). 1,991,000, all users. L1 users: 1,840,000 (2018). L2 users: 151,000. 595,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 1,840,000 (2018).

Kafa

[kbr] 4 (Educational). 1,236,700, all users. L1 users: 1,190,000 (2018). L2 users: 46,700. 445,000 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 1,300,000 (2018).

Kambaata

[ktb] 4 (Educational). 822,300, all users. L1 users: 743,000 (2007 census). 30,100 Donga, 97,800 Timbaro (2007 census). L2 users: 79,300. 330,500 monolinguals. Includes 279,000 Kambaata, 51,600 Timbaro. Ethnic population: 761,000 (2007 census). Includes 35,200 Donga, 98,600 Timbaro (2007 census).

Konso

[kxc] 4 (Educational). 247,660 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 242,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 5,660. 139,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 251,000 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 248,960 (as L1: 243,300; as L2: 5,660).

Libido

[liq] 4 (Educational). 68,010, all users. L1 users: 58,800 (2007 census). L2 users: 9,210. 14,700 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 64,300 (2007 census).

Majang

[mpe] 4 (Educational). 30,000 (Joswig 2019).

Me’en

[mym] 4 (Educational). 157,300, all users. L1 users: 151,000 (2007 census), increasing. Includes 5,770 Bodi (2010 UNSD). L2 users: 6,300. 143,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 157,000 (2007 census). Includes 6,980 Bodi (2007 census).

Nuer

[nus] 4 (Educational). 154,120 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 153,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 1,120. 61,600 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 148,000 (2007 census).

Sheko

[she] 4 (Educational). 43,820, all users. L1 users: 38,900 (2007 census). L2 users: 4,920. 13,600 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 37,600 (2007 census).

Sidamo

[sid] 4 (Educational). 4,441,000, all users. L1 users: 4,340,000 (2018). L2 users: 101,000. 2,530,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 4,340,000 (2018).

Silt’e

[stv] 4 (Educational). 881,000 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 1,410,000 (2018).

Yemsa

[jnj] 4 (Educational). 92,200 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 160,000 (2007 census).

5 (Developing)

Alaba-K’abeena

[alw] 5* (Developing). 307,700, all users. L1 users: 278,000 (2007 census). 227,000 Alaba, 51,300 K’abeena (2007 census). L2 users: 29,700. 111,000 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 286,000 (2007 census). 233,000 Alaba, 52,700 K’abeena (2007 census).

Anuak

[anu] 5* (Developing). 92,710 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 90,600 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 2,110. 34,300 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 89,100 (2007 census).

Harari

[har] 5* (Developing). 33,570 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 25,800 in Ethiopia (2007 census). 20,000 in Addis Ababa, outside Harar city (Hetzron 1997). L2 users: 7,770. 2,350 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 31,700 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 34,890 (as L1: 27,120; as L2: 7,770).

Shekkacho

[moy] 5* (Developing). 83,580, all users. L1 users: 80,100 (2007 census). L2 users: 3,480. 36,500 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 77,600 (2007 census).

Xamtanga

[xan] 5* (Developing). 224,000, all users. L1 users: 213,000 (2010 UNSD). L2 users: 11,000. 93,900 monolinguals.

Awngi

[awn] 5 (Developing). 553,400, all users. L1 users: 489,000 (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 64,400 (1994 census). 323,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 636,000 (2007 census).

Daasanach

[dsh] 5 (Developing). 48,230 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 48,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 230. 31,400 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 48,100 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 66,630 (as L1: 66,400; as L2: 230).

Ethiopian Sign Language

[eth] 5 (Developing). 560,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 340,000–680,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Other estimates: 250,000 as reported by the government (2008 WFD); 1,000,000 (2005 Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf); over 1 million (Tamene 2016:307).

Koorete

[kqy] 5 (Developing). 159,370, all users. L1 users: 157,000 (2007 census), increasing. L2 users: 2,370. 84,400 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 157,000 (2007 census).

Male

[mdy] 5 (Developing). 101,430, all users. L1 users: 94,700 (2007 census). L2 users: 6,730. 40,500 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 97,900 (2007 census).

Màwés Aasʼè

[myf] 5 (Developing). 2,300 (2011 M. Ahland).

Oromo, Borana-Arsi-Guji

[gax] 5 (Developing). 7,780,000 in Ethiopia (2018). 36,600,000 all Oromo speakers in Ethiopia (2018 World Factbook). Total users in all countries: 8,448,600.

Oromo, Eastern

[hae] 5 (Developing). 9,710,000 (2018). 36,600,000 all Oromo speakers in Ethiopia (2018 World Factbook).

Sebat Bet Gurage

[sgw] 5 (Developing). 2,170,000 (2018). Ethnic population: 2,710,000 (2018).

Suri, Kacipo-Bale

[koe] 5 (Developing). 2,360 in Ethiopia (2007 census). Ethnic population: 2,700 (2007 census).

Suri, Tirmaga-Chai

[suq] 5 (Developing). 26,900 (2007 census), increasing. 24,200 monolinguals (2017).

Tsamai

[tsb] 5 (Developing). 19,200, all users. L1 users: 18,000 (2007 census). L2 users: 1,200. 5,300 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 20,000 (2007 census).

Zayse

[zay] 5 (Developing). 18,500 (2007 census). 10,200 Zayse, 7,600 Zergulla. 3,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 17,900 (2007 census).

5 (Dispersed)

Kunama

[kun] 5* (Dispersed). 7,570 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 7,430 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 140 (1994 census). Ethnic population: 4,860 (2007 census).

Saho

[ssy] 5* (Dispersed). 36,180 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 32,800 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 3,380. Ethnic population: 33,400 (2007 census).

6a (Vigorous)

Arbore

[arv] 6a (Vigorous). 10,320, all users. L1 users: 7,210 (2007 census). L2 users: 3,110. 3,900 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 7,280 (2007 census).

Baiso

[bsw] 6a (Vigorous). 4,620 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 5,490 (2007 census).

Chara

[cra] 6a (Vigorous). 13,770, all users. L1 users: 13,100 (2007 census). L2 users: 670. 5,560 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 13,200 (2007 census).

Daatsʼíin

[dtn] 6a (Vigorous). 300 (2015 C. Ahland).

Dime

[dim] 6a (Vigorous). 1,100, all users. L1 users: 570 (2007 census), decreasing. L2 users: 530. Ethnic population: 870 (2007 census).

Ganza

[gza] 6a (Vigorous). 400 in Ethiopia (2007).

Gayil

[gyl] 6a (Vigorous). 55,700 (2007 L. Jordan).

Hamer-Banna

[amf] 6a (Vigorous). 81,520, all users. L1 users: 74,400 (2007 census). 47,500 Hamer, 26,900 Banna (2007 census). L2 users: 7,120. 38,400 monolinguals (1994 census). Ethnic population: 73,500 (2007 census). 46,500 Hamer, 27,000 Banna (2007 census).

Inor

[ior] 6a (Vigorous). 280,000. 50,000 Endegeny.

Kachama-Ganjule

[kcx] 6a (Vigorous). 2,830 (2007 census). 1,000 Gats’ame and less than 50 Ganjule (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Ethnic population: 2,590 (2007 census).

Kistane

[gru] 6a (Vigorous). 315,500, all users. L1 users: 255,000 (1994 census). L2 users: 60,500. Ethnic population: 364,000 (1994 census). Includes 4,000 Gogot.

Melo

[mfx] 6a (Vigorous). 24,860, all users. L1 users: 20,200 (1994 census). L2 users: 4,660. 13,700 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 20,200 (1994 census).

Mesqan

[mvz] 6a (Vigorous). 195,000 (2007 SIL). Ethnic population: 205,000 (Woreda Farmers’ Cooperatives Office).

Mursi

[muz] 6a (Vigorous). 8,390, all users. L1 users: 7,390 (2007 census). L2 users: 1,000 (Mütze 2014). 7,000 monolinguals (2017 M. Bryant). Ethnic population: 7,480 (2007 census).

Nyangatom

[nnj] 6a (Vigorous). 24,300 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 25,200 (2007 census).

Opo

[lgn] 6a (Vigorous). 5,000 in Ethiopia (2014). Most are monolingual. Community self-reports population up to 20,000. Total users in all countries: 20,000.

Oyda

[oyd] 6a (Vigorous). 40,940, all users. L1 users: 36,900 (2007 census). L2 users: 4,040. 6,250 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 45,100 (2007 census).

Wolane

[wle] 6a (Vigorous). 70,000 (Meyer 2006).

6b (Threatened)

Argobba

[agj] 6b (Threatened). 46,940, all users. L1 users: 43,700 (2007 census). L2 users: 3,240. Ethnic population: 141,000 (2007 census).

Borna

[bwo] 6b (Threatened). 38,180, all users. L1 users: 35,900 (2007 census). L2 users: 2,280. 18,600 monolinguals. 77 Gamila. Ethnic population: 60,600 (2007 census).

Burji

[bji] 6b (Threatened). 49,450 in Ethiopia, all users. L1 users: 46,400 in Ethiopia (2007 census). L2 users: 3,050. 29,300 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 71,800 (2007 census). Total users in all countries: 86,350 (as L1: 83,300; as L2: 3,050).

Dorze

[doz] 6b* (Threatened). 24,400, all users. L1 users: 20,800 (1994 census). L2 users: 3,600. 9,910 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 29,000 (1994 census).

Girirra

[gii] 6b (Threatened). 50,000 (2007).

Gwama

[kmq] 6b (Threatened). 15,000 (Küspert 2015). Ethnic population: 20,000 (Küspert 2015).

Karo

[kxh] 6b (Threatened). 1,480 (2007 census). Ethnic population: 1,490 (2007 census).

Komo

[xom] 6b (Threatened). 1,000 in Ethiopia (Meckelberg 2016). Ethnic population: 1,500 (2018).

Kwegu

[xwg] 6b (Threatened). 5,110 (2007 census). 3,470 Bacha and 1,640 Koyego (2007 census). Ethnic population: 4,570 (2007 census). 2,630 Bacha and 1,940 Koyego.

Mositacha

[dox] 6b* (Threatened). 19,020, all users. L1 users: 18,100 (2007 census). L2 users: 920. 4,960 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 30,000 (2007 census).

Shabo

[sbf] 6b (Threatened). 400 (2000 M. Brenzinger), decreasing. Ethnic population: 600 (2000).

Zay

[zwa] 6b (Threatened). 14,000 (Meyer 2005), decreasing.

7 (Shifting)

Hozo

[hoz] 7 (Shifting). 6,000 (Küspert 2015). Ethnic population: 24,300 (2007). This includes Hozo [hoz], Seze [sze] and Gwama [kmq] ethnic populations.

Nayi

[noz] 7 (Shifting). 9,070, all users. L1 users: 7,190 (2007 census). L2 users: 1,880. 1,140 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 12,000 (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007).

Seze

[sze] 7 (Shifting). 13,000 (Küspert 2015). Ethnic population: 24,300 (2007 census). This includes Hozo [hoz], Seze [sze] and Gwama [kmq] ethnic populations.

8a (Moribund)

Anfillo

[myo] 8a (Moribund). 500 (1990 SIL). Ethnic population: 1,000 (1990 SIL).

8b (Nearly extinct)

Ongota

[bxe] 8b (Nearly extinct). 10 (2007).

Qimant

[ahg] 8b (Nearly extinct). 4,830, all users. L1 users: 1,650 (1994 census). L2 users: 3,180. Ethnic population: 172,000 (1994 census).

9 (Dormant)

Mesmes

[mys] 9 (Dormant). No known L1 speakers. One L1 speaker was still living in 2001 (2018 M. Ahland).

Weyto

[woy] 9 (Dormant). No known L1 speakers. The last speaker had either died or shifted to Amharic by 1900 (Sommer 1992). Ethnic population: 1,630. 1,520 (93%) speak Amharic as L1.

9 (Second language only)

Geez

[gez] 9 (Second language only). No known L1 speakers in Ethiopia. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Total users in all countries: none known.

10 (Extinct)

Rer Bare

[rer] 10 (Extinct). No known L1 speakers. Extinct by 2000s.

Ethiopia

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