Agaw languages facts for kids

The Agaw languages are a small group of languages. They are part of the larger Cushitic languages family. Most Agaw languages are spoken in Ethiopia. Some are also spoken in Eritrea.

What are the Agaw Languages?

The Agaw languages are a branch of the Cushitic languages. Cushitic languages are spoken in the Horn of Africa. The Agaw people speak these languages. They live in parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Main Agaw Languages

There are a few main Agaw languages. They are spoken by different groups of people.

Awngi Language

• Awngi is also called South Agaw.
• It is spoken southwest of Lake Tana in Ethiopia.
• This is the largest Agaw language.
• More than 350,000 people speak Awngi.
• The Kunfal is a dialect of Awngi. It is spoken west of Lake Tana.

Northern Agaw Languages

The Northern Agaw group includes Bilen and Xamtanga.

Bilen Language

• Bilen is sometimes called North Agaw.
• About 70,000 people speak Bilen.
• It is spoken in Eritrea, near the town of Keren.
• Some Bilen speakers also live in eastern Sudan. This is near the town of Kassala.

Xamtanga Language

• Xamtanga is also known as Central Agaw.
• It is sometimes called Khamir or Khamta.
• Around 143,000 people speak Xamtanga.
• They live in the North Amhara Region of Ethiopia.

Qimant Language

• Qimant is also called Western Agaw.
• This language is nearly extinct. This means very few people still speak it.
• It was spoken by the Qemant people. They live in the Semien Gondar Zone of Ethiopia.
• Two dialects of Qimant are Qwara and Kayla.
  • Qwara is almost extinct. It was spoken by Beta Israel people.
  • Kayla is extinct. It was also spoken by some Beta Israel people.

See also

In Spanish: Lenguas agaw para niños