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.

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. Hazo also use Afar [aar]. Also use Tigré [tig], Tigrigna [tir].

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 [Latn].

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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