Central Cushitic languages

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The Central Cushitic languages, also known as Agau, are a subdivision of the Cushitic languages, which are part of the larger Afro-Asiatic language family. These languages are spoken primarily in Ethiopia, with smaller communities in Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.1

Key facts about Central Cushitic languages:
* Speakers: Primarily found in Ethiopia, with a few thousand speakers in scattered enclaves.1
* Examples: Bilin, Kemant, Kwara, Xamtage, and Awngi are examples of Central Cushitic languages.1
* Linguistic Family: They belong to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.12
* Geographic Distribution: While Cushitic languages are spoken across parts of eastern Africa, Central Cushitic languages are concentrated in Ethiopia.134

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Cushitic languages
Cushitic, or Beja; Central Cushitic (also known as Agau [Agaw, Agew]), with languages such as Bilin, Kemant, Kwara, Xamtage, and Awngi; South Cushitic (spoken mainly in Tanzania), including Iraqw, Burunge, and Gorowa, the hybrid language Maʾa/Mbugu, and (in Kenya) Dahalo; Highland East Cushitic, including Burji, Sidamo, Kambata, and
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Cushitic, or Beja; Central Cushitic (also known as Agau [Agaw, Agew]), with languages such as Bilin, Kemant, Kwara, Xamtage, and Awngi; South Cushitic (spoken mainly in Tanzania), including Iraqw, Burunge, and Gorowa, the hybrid language Maʾa/Mbugu, and (in Kenya) Dahalo; Highland East Cushitic, including Burji, Sidamo, Kambata, and
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