Zaysete

A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Zaisse, Zayse-Zergulla, Zaysitè, Zaysse, Zergula

Population

18,500 (2007 census). 3,000 monolinguals. 10,200 Zayse, 7,600 Zergulla.

Location

Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), North Omo zone, west of Lake Chamo.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification

Dialects

Zayse, Zergulla (Zargulla, Zergullinya). Similar to the Gidicho dialect of Koorete [kqy].

Typology

SOV

Language Use

Vigorous. Approximately 7,000 ethnic Gamo speak Zergulla as L1. All ages. Positive attitudes.

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 0%. Literacy rate in L2: 50% in Amharic [amh]. Radio programs.

Language Resources

Writing

Ethiopic script.