Bilen

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A language of Eritrea

ISO 639-3
byn
Alternate Names
Balen, Belen, Beleni, Bilayn, Bilein, Bileno, Bilin, Bogo, Bogos, North Agaw
Population

91,000 (2006).

Location

Anseba region, Keren town area.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, Central, Northern
Dialects

Senhit, T’aqwur.

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Home. All ages. Positive attitudes. 60% of the Christians also use some Tigrinya [tir], 70% of the Muslims also use Tigré [tig]. Younger generation mixes their speech with Arabic.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Females: 40%. Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Magazines. New media. Radio programs. Films. Videos. Dictionary. Bible.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bilen
Writing
Ethiopic script, used unofficially. Latin script, used since 1990s, primary usage.
Other Comments

Muslim, Christian.