Saho

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A language of Eritrea

ISO 639-3
ssy
Alternate Names
Sao, Shaho, Shiho, Shoho
Population

191,000 in Eritrea (2006), increasing. Population total all countries: 223,800.

Location

South and North Red Sea regions. Also in Ethiopia.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, East, Saho-Afar
Dialects

Irob dialect only in Ethiopia. Very similar to Afar [aar].

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Home, community. All ages. Also use Tigrigna [tir] or Tigré [tig]. Hazo also use Afar [aar].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: Females: about 30%. Literacy rate in L2: Below 5%. Taught in some primary schools. Poetry. Radio programs. Videos. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1964.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Saho
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Ethnic group names are Asa’orta, Hadu (Hazu), Miniferi. Nomadic. Not accepting of outsiders. Muslim, Christian.

Also spoken in:

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