Bilen

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Eritrea

ISO 639-3
byn
Alternate Names
Balen, Belen, Beleni, Bilayn, Bilein, Bilene, Bileno, Bilin, Bogo, Bogos, North Agaw
Autonym
Blin, ብሊን‎ (Blin)
User Population

116,000 (2020).

Location

Anseba region: Keren town area.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, Central, Northern
Dialects

Senhit, T’aqwur.

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Home. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Arabic [ara], especially in the code-switching of the younger population. Also use Kunama [kun]. Also use Nara [nrb]. Also use Tigré [tig], by 70% of the Muslim population. Also use Tigrigna [tir], by 60% of the Christian population.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Females: 40%. Taught in some primary schools. Literature. Periodicals. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2018.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bilen
Writing

Ethiopic script [Ethi], unofficial usage. Latin script [Latn], used since 1990s, primary usage.

Other Comments

Muslim, Christian.