Saho - The language
of Irob people
Hagos Gebrai - May 4, 2014

The native langue of Irob people is Saho. It is part of the Cushitic family of the Afro-Asiatic language. Saho is spoken both in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and its dialect is similar to that of Afar language. Ethnic Irobs are the only Ethiopians who speak Saho.


The Saho language in itself is not in danger of extinction since about 250k Eritreans continue to speak and preserve it in a well-coordinated manner. However, it will require a robust conservation plan to preserve Saho among the Irob people in Ethiopia.


Here are the main factors for the likelihood of Saho's extinction from Ethiopia.



The regional government and Irob district administrations have recently started encouraging measures in an effort to preserve Irob language. These measures include but not limited to introducing Saho in primary education system in Irob district and launching a weekly Saho radiobroadcasting program. However, the long-term success of preserving Saho among Irob people will depend mainly on the sustainability of improved socio-economic conditions in Irob district. One of IDA's goals is to collaborate with Irob people, Irob district administration, and Tigray regional government to help preserve Saho for centuries to come; and continue to pass the tradition & the culture of our forefathers to the current and future generations of Irobs around the world.