Aari

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A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3
aiw
Alternate Names
Aarai, Ara, Ari, Aro, “Shankilla” (pej.), “Shankilligna” (pej.), “Shankillinya” (pej.)
Autonym
አፋን፡ኣሪ፡‎ (Áfan ārí)
User Population

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].

Location

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region: central north Omo zone, south tip of Ethiopia plateau.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Omotic, South
Dialects

Bako (Baco), Biyo (Bio), Laydo, Seyki, Shangama, Sido, Wubahamer (Ubamer), Zeddo. Reportedly similar to Gayil [gyl].

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Home, market. Used by all. Also use Amharic [amh]. Used as L2 by Dime [dim].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 8%. Grade 1 pilot classes are in progress. NT: 1997.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Aari
Writing

Ethiopic script [Ethi]. Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Patrilineal. Traditional religion, Christian.