Eritrea recognizes nine ethnic groups: Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, Afar, Bilen, Kunama, Nara, Hidareb (often called Beni Amer) and Rashaida. Each has its own language. Tigrinya speakers are the largest group, and Tigrinya is the language most Eritrean Minnesotans are likely to request, but Tigre, Arabic and others are also spoken. Arabic is widely used, especially among Muslim Eritreans and people from the lowlands. Many Eritreans also learned some Amharic, English or Italian through history, schooling or years spent in other countries.
Eritrea and Ethiopia share deep ties. Tigrinya is spoken in both Eritrea and the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, and both countries use the Ge'ez script. Orthodox Christianity, food such as injera, coffee ceremonies, and family relationships cross the border. Many families have relatives in both countries. At the same time, Eritrea's national identity was forged through a long war with Ethiopia and a later border war. For many Eritreans, being described as Ethiopian is not a small mistake. Some Tigrinya speakers from Ethiopia, meanwhile, identify strongly as Tigrayan, and recent conflict in northern Ethiopia has added new pain and tension.
These facts matter for language access. A Tigrinya interpreter may be Eritrean or Ethiopian. Most interpreters are professionals who keep strict neutrality, and most clients will be fine with any qualified interpreter. But some people will worry about confidentiality in a small community, or about an interpreter's background or political ties. Do not assume someone's preference from their nationality. Ask neutrally: Is this interpreter a good fit for you? Would you prefer a different interpreter next time? Also confirm the language itself. A Muslim Eritrean may prefer Arabic or Tigre, and an elder from a smaller ethnic group may prefer their own language.
On forms and in data, list Eritrea and Ethiopia separately, and let people identify their own country of origin and ethnicity. Grouping Eritreans under Ethiopian or East African can hide the community and its needs.
