The Writing and Numeral System of the Oromo Language: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

The Oromo language, also known as Afaan Oromo or Oromiffa, is an Afroasiatic language primarily spoken in Ethiopia and neighboring Kenya and Somalia. It is the mother tongue of the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. For decades, the Oromo language was marginalized and had no official status in the Ethiopian state. However, since the 1990s, it has gained recognition as an official language in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The language is written using the Latin script and employs the Arabic numeral system for numbers. This article will delve into the intricacies of the writing and numeral system of the Oromo language.

Writing System

Latin Script

The Latin script has been used for Oromo writing since the 1970s. The script was officially adopted by the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) in 1991 as the standard for writing Afaan Oromo, replacing other scripts like Ge’ez (Ethiopic). The alphabet consists of 25 to 33 letters, depending on the variant of Oromo. The Latin-based script has made it easier to publish works, propagate the language, and integrate with global systems like the internet and modern technology.

Qubee Afaan Oromoo

The Latin-based script, known as Qubee Afaan Oromoo, is phonetic and each symbol consistently represents a single sound. This characteristic makes it relatively easy to learn to read and write in the language.

Special Characters

Although the Oromo script is based on the Latin alphabet, it has some unique features:

• Special characters like “č” and “š” to denote specific sounds.
• Double vowels to denote long vowel sounds, such as “aa,” “ee,” “ii,” “oo,” “uu.”

Ge’ez Script

Before the adoption of the Latin script, attempts were made to use the Ge’ez (Ethiopic) script, commonly used for Amharic and other languages in Ethiopia. However, the Ge’ez script did not accommodate the phonetic requirements of the Oromo language well, leading to the eventual shift to Latin.

Romanization and Transliteration

The Latin script has simplified the Romanization and transliteration process for Oromo, making it more accessible for scholarly studies and international discourse.

Numeral System

Arabic Numerals

The Oromo language uses the Arabic numeral system, which is the standard numeral system used globally (0-9). This allows for straightforward mathematical calculations, record-keeping, and international understanding.

Number Words

Oromo has its own set of words for expressing cardinal numbers (like ‘tokko’ for one, ‘lamma’ for two, and ‘sadii’ for three) and ordinal numbers (like ‘tokkoo’ for first, ‘lammoo’ for second).

Number Formatting

In Afaan Oromo, the comma is used as the decimal separator, similar to the practice in many European languages. For large numbers, a space or period might be used to separate thousands.

Educational Implications

The adoption of the Latin script has played a critical role in the education system in Oromia. Educational materials are now more accessible, and literacy rates have improved. Learning Oromo has become part of the educational curriculum, thereby preserving the language and culture for future generations.

Historical and Cultural Context

The journey of the Oromo writing system is closely tied to the historical struggle for recognition and autonomy of the Oromo people. The adoption of a standardized script and numeral system has also been seen as an assertion of cultural identity.

Conclusion

The Oromo language’s writing and numeral systems serve as vital tools for education, communication, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Latin script and Arabic numeral system have aided in the modernization and standardization of the language, while also allowing for greater integration into global linguistic and numerical frameworks. With rising literacy rates and growing recognition, the Oromo language stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of the Oromo people.