Bilen

BYN

developing

Alternate Names: Balen, Belen, Beleni, Bilayn, Bilein, Bileno, Bilin, Bogo, Bogos, North Agaw

Dialects: Senhit, T’aqwur.

Genealogy:

Afro-Asiatic
Cushitic
Central
Northern

Demographics: 91,000 (2006).

Language Use: Home. All ages. Positive attitudes. 70% of the Muslims also use Tigré [tig]. 60% of the Christians also use some Tigrinya [tir]. Also use Kunama [kun], Nara [nrb]. Younger generation mixes their speech with Arabic.

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Females: 40%. Taught in primary schools. Poetry. Magazines. New media. Radio programs. Films. Videos. Dictionary. Bible.

Typology: SOV.

Writing System: Ethiopic, Latin

Nation of Origin: Eritrea

Other Comments: Muslim, Christian.