Aari

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A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3
aiw
Alternate Names
Aarai, Ara, Ari, Aro, “Shankilla” (pej.), “Shankilligna” (pej.), “Shankillinya” (pej.)
Population

235,000 (2007). 129,000 monolinguals. L2 users: 13,300.

Location

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region, Central North Omo zone, south tip of Ethiopia plateau, near the Hamer-Banna [amf] language area.

Language Maps
Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Afro-Asiatic, Omotic, South
Dialects

Bako (Baco), Biyo (Bio), Laydo, Seyki, Shangama, Sido, Wubahamer (Ubamer), Zeddo. Reportedly similar to Gayil [gyl].

Typology

SOV.

Language Use

Home, market. Also use Amharic [amh]. Used as L2 by Dime [dim].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 8%. Grade 1 pilot classes are in progress. Taught in primary schools. NT: 1997.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Aari
Writing

Ethiopic script [Ethi]. Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Patrilineal. Traditional religion, Christian.