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Discovering Mehri: A Unique South Arabian Language

By Sahara Al-Madi

Uncover the enchanting world of Mehri, one of the last surviving South Arabian languages, spoken in the misty mountains of Oman and Yemen.

In the lush, mountainous region of Dhofar, Oman, the poetic language of Mehri thrives among its speakers. As one of the last surviving South Arabian languages, Mehri carries a rich cultural heritage, with stories passed down through generations. However, this unique language faces the threat of extinction, as there is currently no established writing system. According to Ethnologue, Mehri is classified as endangered. In this article, we’ll delve into Mehri’s history, its linguistic structure, and ongoing efforts to preserve this precious language.

Why Mehri and South Arabian Languages Matter: Cultural and Historical Significance

Mehri is one of six languages in the Modern South Arabian (MSA*) family, which includes Ḥarsusi, Baṭḥari, Soqoṭri, Hobyot, and Jibbali. Despite being located in an Arabic-speaking region, MSA languages are not derived from Arabic and are not mutually intelligible with it. Studying Mehri and its MSA counterparts offers valuable insights into the diverse history and cultural perspectives of the people in this region.

Aaron Rubin, a distinguished Malvin and Lea Bank Professor at Penn State University, specializes in Classics, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Jewish Studies, and Linguistics. His research on the Mehri language reveals that approximately 130,000 speakers inhabit the easternmost governorate of Al-Mahra, Yemen, as well as the neighboring Dhofar governorate in Oman. This valuable insight highlights the significance of Mehri in understanding the region’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

In addition to Mehri, Rubin’s work encompasses other Modern South Arabian (MSA) languages, including Ḥarsusi, Baṭḥari, Soqoṭri, Hobyot, and Jibbali (also known as Shaḥri, Śḥeri, or Śḥerɛ̄t). Each of these languages adds to the rich tapestry of linguistic variety in the region, with Mahri, Jibbali, and Soqoṭri featuring multiple dialects that reflect the unique cultural identities of their speakers. By studying these languages, Rubin not only contributes to academic knowledge but also helps preserve the vibrant traditions and histories embedded in them. This research is crucial for fostering appreciation of the region’s cultural diversity and ensuring that these languages continue to be spoken and celebrated.

Below is a diagram of the Proto-Semitic language family provided by Hassan Obeid Alfadly et al.

Mehri in Popular Culture

Discover Four Popular Mehri Songs Showcasing Traditional Instruments and Poetic Heritage of the Region:

In Dhofar, Oman, and Al-Mahra, Yemen, a vibrant cultural tradition brings communities together to celebrate in nature through collective drumming.

Experience this unique custom by watching a video that captures locals gathering in the mountains to play their drums and share in the joy of music below.

Linguistic Analysis

Linguists analyze lexical cognates, which are words that share a common origin, by examining patterns of sound correspondences across different languages. This analysis reveals significant evidence of language evolution and the relationships between languages. By understanding these connections, linguists can trace the historical interactions among languages and their speakers. This research not only enhances our knowledge of the languages themselves but also provides valuable insights into the cultures and histories of the communities that speak them (Hoijer, 1956; Bergsland and Vogt, 1962). 

Cognate Words in Mehri and Hadhrami Arabic

Key Initiatives to Preserve and Revitalize the Mehri Language

I first encountered Mehri through another language named Shahri, or Jibbali. Unfortunately, there is very limited documentation on Shahri, which is reported to have around 50,000 speakers. Despite its challenges, the survival of such languages highlights the profound connection people have to their cultural identities. 

To help save Mehri, a dedicated group of scholars is leading several important initiatives. Professors Thomas Muir Johnstone and Aaron Rubin are focused on documenting the language and creating dictionaries to make it more accessible for study. Meanwhile, Professor Miranda Morris emphasizes the cultural significance of Mehri by showcasing its traditional stories, poetry, and music. Professors Hassan Obeid Alfadly and Khaled Awadh Bin Mukhashin are actively engaging local communities, encouraging younger generations to learn and use Mehri. Additionally, there are plans to establish educational programs in schools to teach the language, fostering pride in its rich heritage and ensuring its survival for the future. Together, these efforts are vital for revitalizing Mehri and celebrating its unique cultural legacy.

Each language carries a unique story, fostering authentic connections among speakers that transcend borders and generations. Embracing and preserving these languages is essential for maintaining the rich tapestry of human expression and recounting the history of the land. I hope that the topics we explored today have inspired you to learn more about Mehri and other Modern South Arabian languages.

Sources

Alfadly, Hassan Obeid, and Khaled Awadh Bin Mukhashin. “Cognate Words in Mehri and Hadhrami Arabic.” Hadhramout University Journal of Humanities, vol. 16, no. 2, 2019, hu.edu.ye, https://hu.edu.ye/hu-publications/journals/index.php/hujh/article/view/208.

Beeston, A. F. L. “T. M. Johnstone: Mehri Lexicon and English–Mehri Word-List, with Index of the English Definitions in the Jibbāli Lexicon, Compiled by G. Rex Smith.” Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, vol. 52, no. 2, 1989, pp. 353–354.

Morris, Miranda. “The Mehri Language of Oman.” The Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. 132, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 482–87. go.gale.com, https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&issn=00030279&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA314256026&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs.

Rubin, Aaron D. “Preface.” Omani Mehri. Brill, 2018, https://brill.com/view/book/9789004362475/front-8.xml. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.

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Fanni is Radnóti's wife
Located near the Tang capital city of Chang’an, site of the modern city of Xi’an in Shaanxi province, in central China.
Soldiers of that time commonly wore a white head cloth, similar to what is still worn by some peasants in China today.  The implication is that the conscripts were so young that they didn’t know how to wrap their head cloths, and needed help from elders.
Before China’s unification under the Qin dynasty in 221 B.C. there were several competing smaller kingdoms.  Han and Qin were two of these kingdoms. Han was located east of famous mountain passes that separated that area from the power base of the Qin dynasty, with its capital in Chang’an. The Qin dynasty itself only lasted about 15 years after unification due to its draconian rule, but soldiers under Qin rule retained a reputation as strong fighters.
The area of Guanxi, meaning “west of the passes”, refers to the area around the capital city of Chang’an.
This is an alternative name for a province in western China, now known as Qinghai, which literally means “blue sea”.  Kokonor Lake, located in Qinghai, is the largest saline lake in China.  
Before China’s unification under the Qin dynasty in 221 B.C. there were several competing smaller kingdoms.  Han and Qin were two of these kingdoms. Han was located east of famous mountain passes that separated that area from the power base of the Qin dynasty, with its capital in Chang’an. The Qin dynasty itself only lasted about 15 years after unification due to its draconian rule, but soldiers under Qin rule retained a reputation as strong fighters.
Oulart Hollow was the site of a famous victory of the Irish rebels over British troops, which took place on May 27, 1798. The rebels killed nearly all the British attackers in this battle. (Source: Maxwell, W. H. History of the Irish Rebellion in 1798. H. H. Bohn, London 1854, pp 92-93, at archive.org)
The phrase "United Men" is elaborated upon in the Notes section below.

Ghetto

An Italian word meaning “foundry.” It originally referred to a part of the city of Venice where the Jews of that city were forced to live; the area was called “the ghetto” because there was a foundry nearby. The term eventually came to refer to any part of a city in which a minority group is forced to live as a result of social, legal, or economic pressure. Because of the restrictions placed upon them, ghetto residents are often impoverished.

"You’re five nine, I am do-uble two"

A reference to the year 1959 and the year 2020.

"The Currency"

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"Sixty years with the dom-ino stuck"

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رحلنا

رحلنا, or "rahalna," means "we have left."

Habibi

Habibi means "my love."

Ra7eel

Ra7eel, or "raheel," means "departure."

3awda

3awda, or "awda," means "returning."

أهلاً

أهلاً, or "ahalan," means "welcome."

a5 ya baba

a5 ya baba, pronounced "akh ya baba," means "Oh my father."

golpe

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Carlos

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