Pronunciation: [ɡjˈʊɹɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "gurage" may cause confusion due to its pronunciation. The correct way to write this word is with a "u" after the "g" and an "e" at the end, as "Gurage." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ɡəˈrɑːɡə/. The first "a" sound is pronounced like a short "u," making the word sound like "gur-uh-ge." Gurage refers to an ethnic group native to Ethiopia, known for their unique culture and language.
Gurage refers to a specific ethnic group and language community that primarily resides in the central regions of Ethiopia. The term "Gurage" can be used both to describe the people belonging to this ethnic group and the language they speak. Additionally, Gurage can also refer to the various dialects spoken within this linguistic community.
As an ethnic group, the Gurage people have a distinct cultural identity and traditions. They are known for their agricultural lifestyle, cultivating crops such as teff, maize, and sorghum, as well as raising livestock. Historically, Gurage society has been organized into different clans, and social relations are often governed by a system of kinship.
The Gurage language belongs to the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. It is classified as a Southwest Semitic language and shares similarities with other Semitic languages like Amharic and Tigrinya, spoken in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The language includes several dialects, such as Ezha, Sodo, and Ezha North. The Gurage language is typically written using the Ge'ez script, which has been adapted from the ancient liturgical language of Ethiopia.
Overall, "Gurage" encompasses not only an ethnic group but also a language and cultural heritage. Understanding the term involves recognizing the unique identity, linguistic dynamics, and socio-cultural characteristics associated with the Gurage people in Ethiopia.
The word "Gurage" refers to an ethnic group from Ethiopia, as well as their language. The etymology of the word "Gurage" can be traced back to the Gurage people themselves. It is believed that the term originates from the name of a prominent Gurage king called Gora. Over time, the name Gora evolved into Gurage, coming to represent the people and their language.
