The following is the entry for this language as it appeared in the 14th edition (2000).
It was superseded by the corresponding entry in the 15th edition (2005). See also the corresponding entry in the current edition of Ethnologue.
SIL code: SBF
ISO 639-2: ssa
| Population | 400 to 1,000 (1986) out of a larger ethnic population. |
| Region | Kafa Region, between Godere and Mashi, among the Majang and Shakacho. |
| Alternate names | SHAKO, 'MEKEYER', 'MIKEYIR', 'MIKAIR' |
| Classification | Nilo-Saharan, Unclassified. |
| Comments | A distinct language, apparently a hybrid. Distinct from Sheko. 30% lexical similarity with Majang, 12% with other West Cushitic (Omotic) languages. They are bilingual in Majang or Shakacho. Shabo used in most domains. About half the children learn Shabo. They do not like the name 'Mekeyer' used by outsiders. They live in family units, not villages. Investigation needed: bilingual proficiency in Majang, Mocha. SOV, postpositions, gender in all 3 persons. Hunter-gatherers, beekeepers. Traditional religion, Christian. |
