​Amharic, an Ethiopian Semitic language, belongs to the Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic languages. Primarily spoken by the Amharas, it functions as a lingua franca in major cities and towns across Ethiopia, serving as a first language for many.

 

As the official working language of the Ethiopian federal government, Amharic also holds official or working language status in various federal regions within the country. Boasting the largest number of speakers in Ethiopia, Amharic stands as the most widely spoken language and is the second most prevalent mother tongue (after Oromo). Globally, it ranks as the second-largest Semitic language, following Arabic.