Xamtanga

Abstract This chapter examines the Central Cushitic (or Agaw) language spoken in the Wag Hemra Zone of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia: Xamtanga. Xamtanga is a working and educational language in the Wag Hemra Zone. The chapter argues that Xamtanga is employed as the primary medium of communication by all ages and in all domains in Ziqwala and Abergelle. Bilingualism in Amharic and/or in Tigrinya is extremely frequent. This chapter then explores the five dialects of Xamtanga: Soqota (South East), S’agibji (East), Ziqwala (Central), Semen/Sihalla (West), and Abergelle (North). Ultimately, the chapter analyzes the Xamtanga phonology, verbal morphology, nominal morphology, pronominal morphology, and pragmatics.