Pronunciation: [ta͡ɪɡɹˈɪnjə pˈiːpə͡l] (IPA) 
The Tigrinya people are an ethnic group from the Horn of Africa who primarily reside in Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. The spelling of "Tigrinya" is pronounced as /tɪɡriːnjə/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is "t" followed by "ɪ" as in "sit", "ɡ" as in "go", "r" as in "run", "iː" as in "feet", "n" as in "no", "j" as in "yes", and finally "ə" as in the last sound in "sofa".
The Tigrinya people are a major ethnic group primarily residing in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Eritrean highlands. They form the largest ethnic group in Eritrea and constitute a significant portion of the population in Ethiopia. The Tigrinya people are known for their unique language, also called Tigrinya, which belongs to the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.
The Tigrinya culture is deeply rooted in agriculture, with farming being a primary occupation for many. They cultivate a variety of crops, including grains, vegetables, and fruits, with common staples such as teff, barley, and lentils. Livestock rearing and dairy production also play a significant role in their economy.
Traditionally, the Tigrinya people have a monarchical system of social organization, with local chiefs governing their respective areas. Christianity, particularly the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is the predominant religion among the Tigrinya people. Religious festivities and cultural ceremonies are an integral part of their traditions, including the colorful Timket (Epiphany) celebration and the Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) festival.
Throughout their history, the Tigrinya people have played a pivotal role in the politics and development of both Ethiopia and Eritrea. They have been actively involved in resistance movements against colonial rule, as well as in the struggle for independence in Eritrea. Today, the Tigrinya people continue to contribute significantly to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of their respective countries.
The word "Tigrinya" refers to both a language and an ethnic group in Eritrea and Ethiopia. The etymology of the word "Tigrinya" can be traced back to the ancient Akkadian language, which was spoken in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 3000 BCE.
In Akkadian, the term "Tigris" was used to refer to the Tigris River, which is one of the major rivers in Mesopotamia. The Akkadian term "Tigris" was borrowed into other ancient languages, including Hebrew and Aramaic. In Hebrew, the river was called "Hiddekel", while in Aramaic, it was known as "Diglath".
