Dirasha language
Dirasha (also known as Ghidole, Diraasha, Dirayta, Gidole, Gardulla, Dhirasha) is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. It is spoken in the Omo region of Ethiopia, in the hills west of Lake Chamo, around the town of Gidole.
| Dirasha | |
|---|---|
| Gidole | |
| D'iraassh | |
| Native to | Ethiopia |
| Region | Omo Region, in the hills west of Lake Chamo, around Gidole town. |
Native speakers | 65,000 (2007) |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | gdl |
| Glottolog | dira1242 |
A number of speakers also use Oromo or Konso. According to Wondwosen, the "Dirasha" is the name of the people, and the name of the language is given variously as "Dirashitata, Dirayta and Diraytata" (2006:3,4).
None of these names seem to be derogatory, but rather different ways of referring to the same language.
The Diraytata language is spoken by approximately 65,000 people, primarily in the Omo region of Ethiopia.
The language has a three ejective consonant phonemes and two implosive consonant phonemes, fitting the pattern of the Ethiopian Language Area. It has two tones and five vowels. Duration (or gemination) is distinctive for both consonants and vowels (Wondwosen 2006:9,10).