Linguistic diversity in Ethiopian languages

Abstract

Abstract This chapter emphasizes that Ethiopia is a linguistically and culturally diverse country whose area and ethnolinguistic composition has varied over time. It describes Ethiopia’s historical ethnolinguistic composition and communication patterns, noting that many Ethiopian languages were first discovered in the period lasting from the end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th centuries. The chapter also highlights the first comprehensive investigation of ethnolinguistic diversity in Ethiopia including aspects of societal language use: the Survey of Language Use and Language Teaching in Eastern Africa in 1968–1971. Ultimately, this chapter examines how a language can function as either a native, second, or foreign language. It also studies the linguistic variation due to differences regarding social prestige or status, gender, age, occupation, etc. as well as the enduring and widespread bilingualism in Ethiopia.