Amharic

Amharic vowel chart

Ethiopian Air aircraft showing Ethiopic script

Amharic Coca Cola bottle

Ethiopian anthem (since 1992) in amharic

Amharic (ISO 639-3: amh) is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia and is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic. As the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Amharic holds a pivotal role in the nation's public life and governance. It is also the language of instruction in primary schools and is used in the domains of administration, the judiciary, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

History

Amharic has its roots in the Ge'ez language, which is now largely restricted to liturgical use in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The transition from Ge'ez to Amharic is believed to have taken place gradually, starting from around the 14th century. The language evolved in the central highlands of Ethiopia, which facilitated its spread and adoption as a lingua franca in the region.

Writing System

The Amharic script is an abugida, where each character represents a consonant-vowel combination. This script, known as Fidel, is derived from the ancient Ge'ez script and consists of 33 basic characters with seven forms each, depending on the vowel. The script is written from left to right.

Phonology

Amharic has a rich phonetic inventory that includes ejective consonants, which are sounds produced with an upward airstream mechanism. This feature is characteristic of the Semitic languages of Ethiopia. The language's vowel system is relatively simple, with basic distinctions between front and back, as well as high and low vowels.

Grammar

The grammar of Amharic is marked by its use of a system of prefixes, suffixes, and infixes to indicate grammatical relations and verb aspects. The language employs a system of gender (masculine and feminine), number (singular and plural), and cases for its nouns, although the case system is not as complex as in some other languages. Verbs are modified for person, number, and gender of the subject, as well as for tense, aspect, and mood.

Usage

Amharic is not only the official language of Ethiopia but also serves as an important language of commerce, culture, and education. It is spoken by millions as a first language and is learned by many more as a second language within Ethiopia. The Diaspora of Ethiopians across the globe also maintains the use of Amharic in their communities.

Literature and Media

Amharic literature has a long history, with its earliest works dating back to the 14th century. Modern Amharic literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including poetry, novels, and plays. The language is also prominent in media, with numerous Amharic newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television channels operating in Ethiopia.

Challenges and Preservation

Despite its widespread use, Amharic faces challenges related to language preservation and modernization. Efforts are being made to standardize the language and expand its use in science and technology. The development of digital resources and tools for Amharic is also a focus, aiming to ensure its continued relevance in the digital age.