AfMaay

AfMaay, also known as Af-Maay or Maay, is a Cushitic language of the Somali branch spoken by the Digil and Mirifle (Rahanweyn) communities in southern Somalia. It is part of the broader Somali language continuum but is often treated as a distinct language by linguists due to its distinctive vocabulary, phonology, and grammar.

AfMaay is spoken primarily in southern Somalia, especially in the Bay and Bakool regions, with communities in Lower Shabelle and nearby border areas. Smaller numbers of speakers are present in neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and northern Kenya, and in diaspora communities abroad.

It belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family, under the Cushitic branch, within the Somali subgroup. While related to Standard Somali, AfMaay diverges in many respects, and mutual intelligibility varies. Some linguists classify AfMaay as a separate language, while others treat it as a major Somali dialect.

AfMaay has its own phonology, vocabulary, and syntax that reflect Digil and Mirifle linguistic heritage. It uses inclusive and exclusive pronoun systems and distinctive lexical items not found in Standard Somali.

In modern contexts, AfMaay is typically written using a Latin-based orthography in education and media. Earlier usages included Arabic script and other forms. Orthographic conventions vary by region and organization.

AfMaay remains a primarily spoken language in daily life, with Standard Somali favored in formal education and administration. Media, literature, and community programs in AfMaay exist, and there are ongoing efforts to document and standardize the language.