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Tigrinya language
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Tigrinya language

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Also known as: Tigrai language, Tigray language, Tigrigna language
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Last Updated: • Article History
Also spelled:
Tigrigna
Also called:
Tigray or Tigrai
Related Topics:
Ethio-Semitic languages
On the Web:
CORE - Aspects of Tigrinya literature (Oct. 19, 2024)
See all related content

Tigrinya language, a Semitic language of the Tigray people of northern Ethiopia and southern Eritrea. Written records include religious texts prepared by mission societies and an increasing number of textbooks and literary works. The language is closely related to Geʿez, the ancient language of Ethiopia, and to the Tigré language. There were some 5.8 million speakers in the early 21st century.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.