Bilen | Ethnologue

A language of Eritrea

ISO 639: byn
Alternate Names: Balen, Belen, Beleni, Bilayn, Bilein, Bilene, Bileno, Bilin, Bogo, Bogos, North Agaw
Autonym: Blin, ብሊን‎ (Blin)
Population: 116,000 (2020).
Location:: Anseba region: Keren town area.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Cushitic, Central, Northern
Dialects: Senhit, T’aqwur.
Typology: SOV.
Language Use: Home. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Arabic [ara], especially in the code-switching of the younger population. Also use Kunama [kun]. Also use Nara [nrb]. Also use Tigré [tig], by 70% of the Muslim population. Also use Tigrigna [tir], by 60% of the Christian population.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: Females: 40%. Taught in primary schools. Literature. Periodicals. Radio. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. NT: 2018.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Bilen
Writing: Ethiopic script [Ethi], unofficial usage. Latin script [Latn], used since 1990s, primary usage.
Other Comments: Muslim, Christian.

Location: Anseba region: Keren town area.