Shabo

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A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3
sbf
Alternate Names
“Mekeyer” , “Mikair” , “Mikeyir” , Sabu, “Shako”
Population

400 (2000 M. Brenzinger), decreasing. Ethnic population: 600 or more (2000).

Location

Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Sheka zone; Gambella Region, Majangir zone between Godere and Mashi, among Majang [mpe] and Shekkacho [moy] languages.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Unclassified
Dialects

Distinct from Sheko [she]. Lexical similarity: 30% with Majang [mpe], 12% with other West Cushitic (Omotic) languages.

Typology

SOV; postpositions; gender in all 3 persons

Language Use

Most domains. Used by about half the children. Neutral attitudes. Also use Majang [mpe] or Shekkacho [moy].

Writing
Unwritten.
Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Sabu. Shekkacho and Majang use “Shako” and “Mekeyer”, respectively, which Shabo do not like. They live in family units, not villages. Traditional religion, Christian.