Daasanach

A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Daasanech, Dama, Dasenech, Dathanaic, Dathanaik, Dathanik, Dhaasanac, Gallab, Galuba, Gelab, Geleb, Geleba, Gelebinya, Gelubba, Gheleba, Marille, Merile, Merille, Morille, Reshiat, Russia, “Shangilla” (pej.)

Population

48,000 in Ethiopia (2007 census). 31,400 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 60,500.

Location

Lower Omo river, along Lake Turkana. Also in Kenya.

Language Maps

Southwestern Ethiopia

Kenya

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification

Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Western Omo-Tana

Typology

SOV

Language Use

231 L2 speakers.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L2: 2%. Community literacy. Poetry. Bible portions: 2000–2006.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Daasanach

Writing

Latin script.

Other Comments

‘Reshiat’ (Russia) is ethnic group name. Traditional religion, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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Kenya

Language nameDaasanach

Population

12,500 in Kenya (2009 census), increasing. Over 50% monolingual. Population varies as people freely cross the Ethiopian border.

Location

Eastern Province, Marsabit district, Lake Turkana northeast shore, Illeret area.

Alternate Names

Daasanech, Dama, Dasenech, Dathanaik, Dhaasanac, Geleb, Geleba, Gheleba, Marille, Reshiat, “Shangilla” (pej.)

Status

6a (Vigorous).

Language Use

Home, social gatherings with no outsiders. Positive attitudes. Very few also use Kiswahili [swh].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: Below 1%. Literacy rate in L2: Below 5%. First primary class completed national exams in 2007.

Other Comments

8 ethnic groups: Inkabelo (7,000), Inkoria (2,000), Naritch (Naarich 1,800), Elele (1,500), Randal (1,000), Oro (800), Koro (500), and Riele (400). Traditional religion, Christian.

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Daasanach

A language of Ethiopia

Also spoken in:

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Daasanach

A language of Ethiopia

Also spoken in: