Languages of Somalia

Somali is the most widely spoken language in Somalia and is the national language. The Somali constitution recognizes both Somali and Arabic as official languages. English and Italian have historically been used in education and administration, with English currently more prevalent than Italian.

Somali belongs to the Cushitic subfamily within the Afroasiatic language family. There are various dialects, and it is generally understood that most speakers can comprehend Maxaa-tiri, the dialect used in formal writing and media.

Somali and its dialects

Somali dialects are typically divided into three groups: Maxaa-tiri, the basis of written language and media; Maay, spoken in the southern interior, particularly in the Bay and Bakool regions and surrounding areas; and coastal dialects called Benaadir. The differences between Maay and Maxaa-tiri are substantial, and some linguists treat them as separate languages.

Writing system

Before 1972, Somali was an oral language, though Arabic script and adapted writing systems such as Osmanya were used. In 1972 the government officially established that Somali be written in Latin characters, and literacy campaigns were launched to teach reading and writing.

Arabic and its role

Arabic serves a role in religion, in Quranic school education, and in regional commerce. Some people speak Arabic as a first language, particularly in families with historical ties to the coast, but for most it is a second language learned in formal education.

Minority languages

Several smaller language communities exist, most located in the southern regions of the Juba and Shabelle river valleys. These include Chimwiini, spoken in Barawe, a Bantu language related to Swahili, and Kizigua or Mushunguli, spoken by some Jareer communities in the river valleys. The number of speakers of these languages is small compared to Somali.