Dizin

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A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3
mdx
Alternate Names
Diizi-Noog, Dizi, Dizi-Maji, Dizinog, Dizinya, Maji, Majinya, Sizi, Twoyu
Autonym
Diizi-nuog, Diizin
User Population

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

Location

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region: Bench-Maji zone.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Omotic, North, Dizoid
Dialects

Central Dizin, Eastern Dizin, Western Dizin. Related to Sheko [she] and Nayi [noz].

Typology

SOV; tonal.

Language Use

Home, church, market, courts, government meetings (sometimes with interpretation). Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Amharic [amh].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 17%. Kindergarten and adult literacy programs using Dizin as medium of instruction are piloted (2021 SIL). Taught in primary and secondary schools through grade 4 and as subject thereafter. Radio. Bible portions: 2012.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Dizin
Writing

Ethiopic script [Ethi], no longer in use. Latin script [Latn], used since 2009, official usage.

Other Comments

Christian, traditional religion.