South Omotic languages

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July 17, 2026

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South Omotic languages are a group of approximately 40 languages spoken in western Ethiopia. While most scholars classify them within the Afro-Asiatic language phylum, this is debated, with some suggesting a link to the Nilo-Saharan phylum. The South Omotic branch includes languages such as Aari, Hamer-Banna, Karo, and Dime. These languages often feature shorter words and utilize tonal distinctions to convey meaning. Some South Omotic languages have undergone a reduction in characteristic Afro-Asiatic phonological features, such as the absence of pharyngeal consonants.1

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Omotic languages
…major branches, North Omotic and South Omotic, plus the residual Mao group of languages whose subclassification within North Omotic remains uncertain. South Omotic comprises the languages referred to as Aari, Hamer-Banna, Karo, and Dime. North Omotic is said to contain at least two divisions, Dizoid (with languages such as Dizi,…
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…major branches, North Omotic and South Omotic, plus the residual Mao group of languages whose subclassification within North Omotic remains uncertain. South Omotic comprises the languages referred to as Aari, Hamer-Banna, Karo, and Dime. North Omotic is said to contain at least two divisions, Dizoid (with languages such as Dizi,…
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