Siwi

Siwi, also known as Siwan, is a Berber language spoken by the inhabitants of the Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Matruh Governorate. It is part of the Afro-Asiatic language family, within the Berber (Amazigh) group, and most classifications place it among Western Berber varieties, with some scholars grouping it with Zenati languages. The language is closely tied to the cultural identity of the Siwan people.

Geographically, Siwi is concentrated in the Siwa Oasis and nearby settlements. In recent decades, language transmission has declined as Arabic has become dominant in education, media, and public life. As a result, Siwi is considered endangered by many linguists, with younger generations often more fluent in Egyptian Arabic than in Siwi. There are ongoing documentation and revitalization efforts, including linguistic descriptions, dictionaries, and community programs aimed at teaching the language to children and promoting its use in cultural activities.

In terms of writing, Siwi has historically used Berber scripts such as Tifinagh, but modern usage often employs Arabic and Latin scripts for literacy and academic work. The language coexists with Arabic in daily life, and many speakers are bilingual. Siwi also features in oral literature, songs, and rituals that form a core part of Siwa’s cultural heritage.