Alternate Names: Aarai, Ara, Ari, Aro, “Shankilla” (pej.), “Shankilligna” (pej.), “Shankillinya” (pej.)
Dialects: Bako (Baco), Biyo (Bio), Laydo, Seyki, Shangama, Sido, Wubahamer (Ubamer), Zeddo. Reportedly similar to Gayil ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 235,000 (2007). 129,000 monolinguals. L2 users: 13,300.
Language Use: Home, market. Also use Amharic [amh], Wolaytta [wal]. Used as L2 by Dime [dim].
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Below 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 8%. NT: 1997.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Ethiopic, Latin
Nation of Origin: Ethiopia
Other Comments: Patrilineal. Traditional religion, Christian.