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56fad599f34c681400b0c149
On what continent is the M1 haplogroup believed to have originated?
Asia
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to mtDNA studies by Holden (2005) and Richards et al. (2006), a significant proportion of the maternal lineages of Somalis consists of the M1 haplogroup. This mitochondrial clade is common among Ethiopians and North Africans, particularly Egyptians and Algerians. M1 is believed to have origina...
56fad599f34c681400b0c14a
Who authored an mtDNA study in 2005?
Holden
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to mtDNA studies by Holden (2005) and Richards et al. (2006), a significant proportion of the maternal lineages of Somalis consists of the M1 haplogroup. This mitochondrial clade is common among Ethiopians and North Africans, particularly Egyptians and Algerians. M1 is believed to have origina...
56fad599f34c681400b0c14b
What family of languages is the M1 haplogroup associated with?
Afro-Asiatic
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to mtDNA studies by Holden (2005) and Richards et al. (2006), a significant proportion of the maternal lineages of Somalis consists of the M1 haplogroup. This mitochondrial clade is common among Ethiopians and North Africans, particularly Egyptians and Algerians. M1 is believed to have origina...
56fad69b8f12f319006301db
When did Hodgson publish his DNA study?
2014
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to an autosomal DNA study by Hodgson et al. (2014), the Afro-Asiatic languages were likely spread across Africa and the Near East by an ancestral population(s) carrying a newly identified non-African genetic component, which the researchers dub the \"Ethio-Somali\". This Ethio-Somali component...
56fad69b8f12f319006301dc
According to Hodgson, what ancestral people spread the Afro-Asiatic languages?
Ethio-Somali
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to an autosomal DNA study by Hodgson et al. (2014), the Afro-Asiatic languages were likely spread across Africa and the Near East by an ancestral population(s) carrying a newly identified non-African genetic component, which the researchers dub the \"Ethio-Somali\". This Ethio-Somali component...
56fad69b8f12f319006301dd
According to Hodgson, what people is mostly descended from Ethio-Somalis?
Somalis
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to an autosomal DNA study by Hodgson et al. (2014), the Afro-Asiatic languages were likely spread across Africa and the Near East by an ancestral population(s) carrying a newly identified non-African genetic component, which the researchers dub the \"Ethio-Somali\". This Ethio-Somali component...
56fad69b8f12f319006301de
According to Hodgson, how long ago did the Ethio-Somalis diverge from other non-African ancestries?
at least 23,000 years ago
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to an autosomal DNA study by Hodgson et al. (2014), the Afro-Asiatic languages were likely spread across Africa and the Near East by an ancestral population(s) carrying a newly identified non-African genetic component, which the researchers dub the \"Ethio-Somali\". This Ethio-Somali component...
56fad69b8f12f319006301df
According to Hodgson, where did the Ethio-Somalis originate?
the Near East
[ "Somalis\n\nAccording to an autosomal DNA study by Hodgson et al. (2014), the Afro-Asiatic languages were likely spread across Africa and the Near East by an ancestral population(s) carrying a newly identified non-African genetic component, which the researchers dub the \"Ethio-Somali\". This Ethio-Somali component...
56fad6b8f34c681400b0c151
In what year did Mahamoud publish his research?
2006
[ "Somalis\n\nThe analysis of HLA antigens has also helped clarify the possible background of the Somali people, as the distribution of haplotype frequencies vary among population groups. According to Mohamoud et al. (2006):" ]
56fad729f34c681400b0c153
In what geographic part of Somalia is Zeila located?
northern
[ "Somalis\n\nThe history of Islam in Somalia is as old as the religion itself. The early persecuted Muslims fled to various places in the region, including the city of Zeila in modern-day northern Somalia, so as to seek protection from the Quraysh. Somalis were among the first populations on the continent to embrace...
56fad729f34c681400b0c154
From whom were the early Muslims fleeing?
the Quraysh
[ "Somalis\n\nThe history of Islam in Somalia is as old as the religion itself. The early persecuted Muslims fled to various places in the region, including the city of Zeila in modern-day northern Somalia, so as to seek protection from the Quraysh. Somalis were among the first populations on the continent to embrace...
56fad729f34c681400b0c155
Along with the Shafi'i, to what sect of Islam do most Somalis belong?
Sunni
[ "Somalis\n\nThe history of Islam in Somalia is as old as the religion itself. The early persecuted Muslims fled to various places in the region, including the city of Zeila in modern-day northern Somalia, so as to seek protection from the Quraysh. Somalis were among the first populations on the continent to embrace...
56fad729f34c681400b0c156
What is the majority religion in Somalia?
Islam
[ "Somalis\n\nThe history of Islam in Somalia is as old as the religion itself. The early persecuted Muslims fled to various places in the region, including the city of Zeila in modern-day northern Somalia, so as to seek protection from the Quraysh. Somalis were among the first populations on the continent to embrace...
56fad729f34c681400b0c157
A small minority of Somalis belong to what branch of Islam?
Shia
[ "Somalis\n\nThe history of Islam in Somalia is as old as the religion itself. The early persecuted Muslims fled to various places in the region, including the city of Zeila in modern-day northern Somalia, so as to seek protection from the Quraysh. Somalis were among the first populations on the continent to embrace...
56fad7698f12f319006301e5
What is another name for a Qur'anic school?
dugsi
[ "Somalis\n\nQur'anic schools (also known as dugsi) remain the basic system of traditional religious instruction in Somalia. They provide Islamic education for children, thereby filling a clear religious and social role in the country. Known as the most stable local, non-formal system of education providing basic re...
56fad7698f12f319006301e6
What percentage of students at Qur'anic schools are female?
40
[ "Somalis\n\nQur'anic schools (also known as dugsi) remain the basic system of traditional religious instruction in Somalia. They provide Islamic education for children, thereby filling a clear religious and social role in the country. Known as the most stable local, non-formal system of education providing basic re...
56fad7698f12f319006301e7
What government body regulates Qur'anic education?
the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs
[ "Somalis\n\nQur'anic schools (also known as dugsi) remain the basic system of traditional religious instruction in Somalia. They provide Islamic education for children, thereby filling a clear religious and social role in the country. Known as the most stable local, non-formal system of education providing basic re...
56fad7df8f12f319006301eb
Along with Minneapolis, London and Birmingham, what city contains a notable population of Somalis?
Toronto
[ "Somalis\n\nIn the Somali diaspora, multiple Islamic fundraising events are held every year in cities like Birmingham, London, Toronto and Minneapolis, where Somali scholars and professionals give lectures and answer questions from the audience. The purpose of these events is usually to raise money for new schools ...
56fad7df8f12f319006301ec
What is the name of the mosque under construction in Minneapolis?
the Abuubakar-As-Saddique Mosque
[ "Somalis\n\nIn the Somali diaspora, multiple Islamic fundraising events are held every year in cities like Birmingham, London, Toronto and Minneapolis, where Somali scholars and professionals give lectures and answer questions from the audience. The purpose of these events is usually to raise money for new schools ...
56fad7df8f12f319006301ed
Along with floods, what natural disaster often spurs Islamic fundraising?
droughts
[ "Somalis\n\nIn the Somali diaspora, multiple Islamic fundraising events are held every year in cities like Birmingham, London, Toronto and Minneapolis, where Somali scholars and professionals give lectures and answer questions from the audience. The purpose of these events is usually to raise money for new schools ...
56fad7df8f12f319006301ee
Along with universities, the construction of what educational buildings are sometimes the focus of Islamic fundraising?
schools
[ "Somalis\n\nIn the Somali diaspora, multiple Islamic fundraising events are held every year in cities like Birmingham, London, Toronto and Minneapolis, where Somali scholars and professionals give lectures and answer questions from the audience. The purpose of these events is usually to raise money for new schools ...
56fad80d8f12f319006301f3
Along with the Horn of Africa, what is a notable location where Somali Islamic figures have been influential?
the Arabian Peninsula
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition, the Somali community has produced numerous important Muslim figures over the centuries, many of whom have significantly shaped the course of Islamic learning and practice in the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and well beyond." ]
56fad858f34c681400b0c15d
What is a basic social unit of Somali society?
clan
[ "Somalis\n\nThe clan groupings of the Somali people are important social units, and clan membership plays a central part in Somali culture and politics. Clans are patrilineal and are often divided into sub-clans, sometimes with many sub-divisions. The tombs of the founders of the Darod, Dir and Isaaq major clans as...
56fad858f34c681400b0c15e
In what geographical portion of Somalia is the tomb of the founder of the Dir clan located?
northern
[ "Somalis\n\nThe clan groupings of the Somali people are important social units, and clan membership plays a central part in Somali culture and politics. Clans are patrilineal and are often divided into sub-clans, sometimes with many sub-divisions. The tombs of the founders of the Darod, Dir and Isaaq major clans as...
56fad858f34c681400b0c15f
Of what clan is the Abgaal a sub-clan?
Hawiye
[ "Somalis\n\nThe clan groupings of the Somali people are important social units, and clan membership plays a central part in Somali culture and politics. Clans are patrilineal and are often divided into sub-clans, sometimes with many sub-divisions. The tombs of the founders of the Darod, Dir and Isaaq major clans as...
56fad8e28f12f319006301f5
What practice is often used to bind different clans together?
marriage
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali society is traditionally ethnically endogamous. So to extend ties of alliance, marriage is often to another ethnic Somali from a different clan. Thus, for example, a recent study observed that in 89 marriages contracted by men of the Dhulbahante clan, 55 (62%) were with women of Dhulbahante sub-c...
56fad8e28f12f319006301f6
According to a recent study, how many men of the Dhulbahante clan married women from the Hawiye clan?
3
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali society is traditionally ethnically endogamous. So to extend ties of alliance, marriage is often to another ethnic Somali from a different clan. Thus, for example, a recent study observed that in 89 marriages contracted by men of the Dhulbahante clan, 55 (62%) were with women of Dhulbahante sub-c...
56fad8e28f12f319006301f7
According to a recent study, how many Dhulbahante men married women of a different Dhulbahante sub-clan?
55
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali society is traditionally ethnically endogamous. So to extend ties of alliance, marriage is often to another ethnic Somali from a different clan. Thus, for example, a recent study observed that in 89 marriages contracted by men of the Dhulbahante clan, 55 (62%) were with women of Dhulbahante sub-c...
56fad8e28f12f319006301f8
To what clan family do the Ogaden belong?
Darod
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali society is traditionally ethnically endogamous. So to extend ties of alliance, marriage is often to another ethnic Somali from a different clan. Thus, for example, a recent study observed that in 89 marriages contracted by men of the Dhulbahante clan, 55 (62%) were with women of Dhulbahante sub-c...
56fad8e28f12f319006301f9
What percentage of Dhulbahante men married women of the Majerteen or Ogaden?
4.3%
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali society is traditionally ethnically endogamous. So to extend ties of alliance, marriage is often to another ethnic Somali from a different clan. Thus, for example, a recent study observed that in 89 marriages contracted by men of the Dhulbahante clan, 55 (62%) were with women of Dhulbahante sub-c...
56fad9608f12f319006301ff
What law gave Somali husbands and wives equal rights over personal property?
1975 Somali Family Law
[ "Somalis\n\nIn 1975, the most prominent government reforms regarding family law in a Muslim country were set in motion in the Somali Democratic Republic, which put women and men, including husbands and wives, on complete equal footing. The 1975 Somali Family Law gave men and women equal division of property between...
56fad9608f12f31900630200
What was the official name of the country in which the 1975 Somali Family Law was passed?
the Somali Democratic Republic
[ "Somalis\n\nIn 1975, the most prominent government reforms regarding family law in a Muslim country were set in motion in the Somali Democratic Republic, which put women and men, including husbands and wives, on complete equal footing. The 1975 Somali Family Law gave men and women equal division of property between...
56fad9608f12f31900630201
In addition to giving spouses equal rights over their personal property during marriage, what did the Somali Family Law give them?
equal division of property between the husband and wife upon divorce
[ "Somalis\n\nIn 1975, the most prominent government reforms regarding family law in a Muslim country were set in motion in the Somali Democratic Republic, which put women and men, including husbands and wives, on complete equal footing. The 1975 Somali Family Law gave men and women equal division of property between...
56fad9cef34c681400b0c163
What is the biggest ethnic group in Somalia?
Somalis
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis constitute the largest ethnic group in Somalia, at approximately 85% of the nation's inhabitants. They are traditionally nomads, but since the late 20th century, many have moved to urban areas. While most Somalis can be found in Somalia proper, large numbers also live in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Keny...
56fad9cef34c681400b0c164
What percentage of Somalians are ethnic Somalis?
85%
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis constitute the largest ethnic group in Somalia, at approximately 85% of the nation's inhabitants. They are traditionally nomads, but since the late 20th century, many have moved to urban areas. While most Somalis can be found in Somalia proper, large numbers also live in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Keny...
56fad9cef34c681400b0c165
During what century did the nomad lifestyle decline among Somalis?
20th
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis constitute the largest ethnic group in Somalia, at approximately 85% of the nation's inhabitants. They are traditionally nomads, but since the late 20th century, many have moved to urban areas. While most Somalis can be found in Somalia proper, large numbers also live in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Keny...
56fad9cef34c681400b0c166
Why do many Somalis live in South Asia and Europe?
their seafaring tradition
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis constitute the largest ethnic group in Somalia, at approximately 85% of the nation's inhabitants. They are traditionally nomads, but since the late 20th century, many have moved to urban areas. While most Somalis can be found in Somalia proper, large numbers also live in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Keny...
56fad9cef34c681400b0c167
Along with Djibouti and Ethiopia, in what African country outside Somalia can Somalis be found?
Kenya
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis constitute the largest ethnic group in Somalia, at approximately 85% of the nation's inhabitants. They are traditionally nomads, but since the late 20th century, many have moved to urban areas. While most Somalis can be found in Somalia proper, large numbers also live in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Keny...
56fada5c8f12f31900630205
What led to an increase in the number of Somalis leaving the country?
Civil strife
[ "Somalis\n\nCivil strife in the early 1990s greatly increased the size of the Somali diaspora, as many of the best educated Somalis left for the Middle East, Europe and North America. In Canada, the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton all harbor Somali population...
56fada5c8f12f31900630206
Along with the Middle East and North America, to what continent did the Somali diaspora go in the 1990s?
Europe
[ "Somalis\n\nCivil strife in the early 1990s greatly increased the size of the Somali diaspora, as many of the best educated Somalis left for the Middle East, Europe and North America. In Canada, the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton all harbor Somali population...
56fada5c8f12f31900630207
Along with Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Hamilton and Vancouver, what Canadian city has a significant Somali population?
Toronto
[ "Somalis\n\nCivil strife in the early 1990s greatly increased the size of the Somali diaspora, as many of the best educated Somalis left for the Middle East, Europe and North America. In Canada, the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton all harbor Somali population...
56fada5c8f12f31900630208
As of 2006, where did Somalis rank in terms of population by ethnicity in Canada?
69th
[ "Somalis\n\nCivil strife in the early 1990s greatly increased the size of the Somali diaspora, as many of the best educated Somalis left for the Middle East, Europe and North America. In Canada, the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton all harbor Somali population...
56fadfc58f12f3190063020d
About how many Somalis live in the UK?
108,000
[ "Somalis\n\nWhile the distribution of Somalis per country in Europe is hard to measure because the Somali community on the continent has grown so quickly in recent years, an official 2010 estimate reported 108,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom. Somalis in Britain are largely concentrated in the cities of Lon...
56fadfc58f12f3190063020e
What percentage of Somalis living in Britain reside in London?
78%
[ "Somalis\n\nWhile the distribution of Somalis per country in Europe is hard to measure because the Somali community on the continent has grown so quickly in recent years, an official 2010 estimate reported 108,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom. Somalis in Britain are largely concentrated in the cities of Lon...
56fadfc58f12f3190063020f
As of 2014, how many Somalis lived in Sweden?
57,906
[ "Somalis\n\nWhile the distribution of Somalis per country in Europe is hard to measure because the Somali community on the continent has grown so quickly in recent years, an official 2010 estimate reported 108,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom. Somalis in Britain are largely concentrated in the cities of Lon...
56fadfc58f12f31900630210
In 2014, how many Somalis resided in Norway?
38,413
[ "Somalis\n\nWhile the distribution of Somalis per country in Europe is hard to measure because the Somali community on the continent has grown so quickly in recent years, an official 2010 estimate reported 108,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom. Somalis in Britain are largely concentrated in the cities of Lon...
56fadfc58f12f31900630211
How many Somalis lived in Finland as of 2014?
16,721
[ "Somalis\n\nWhile the distribution of Somalis per country in Europe is hard to measure because the Somali community on the continent has grown so quickly in recent years, an official 2010 estimate reported 108,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom. Somalis in Britain are largely concentrated in the cities of Lon...
56fae0218f12f31900630217
What country is Cedar Rapids located in?
the United States
[ "Somalis\n\nIn the United States, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Columbus, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, Denver, Nashville, Green Bay, Lewiston, Portland, Maine and Cedar Rapids have the largest Somali populations." ]
56fae0a58f12f31900630219
Along with Saint Paul, what city constitutes the Twin Cities?
Minneapolis
[ "Somalis\n\nAn estimated 20,000 Somalis emigrated to the U.S. state of Minnesota some ten years ago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) now have the highest population of Somalis in North America. The city of Minneapolis hosts hundreds of Somali-owned and operated businesses offering a variety of produ...
56fae0a58f12f3190063021a
About how many Somalis moved to Minnesota ten years ago?
20,000
[ "Somalis\n\nAn estimated 20,000 Somalis emigrated to the U.S. state of Minnesota some ten years ago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) now have the highest population of Somalis in North America. The city of Minneapolis hosts hundreds of Somali-owned and operated businesses offering a variety of produ...
56fae0a58f12f3190063021b
What area of Minneapolis contains a notable number of Somalis?
Cedar-Riverside
[ "Somalis\n\nAn estimated 20,000 Somalis emigrated to the U.S. state of Minnesota some ten years ago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) now have the highest population of Somalis in North America. The city of Minneapolis hosts hundreds of Somali-owned and operated businesses offering a variety of produ...
56fae0a58f12f3190063021c
What is hawala?
money transfer services
[ "Somalis\n\nAn estimated 20,000 Somalis emigrated to the U.S. state of Minnesota some ten years ago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) now have the highest population of Somalis in North America. The city of Minneapolis hosts hundreds of Somali-owned and operated businesses offering a variety of produ...
56fae0a58f12f3190063021d
What sort of meat is sold in Somali businesses in Minneapolis?
halal
[ "Somalis\n\nAn estimated 20,000 Somalis emigrated to the U.S. state of Minnesota some ten years ago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) now have the highest population of Somalis in North America. The city of Minneapolis hosts hundreds of Somali-owned and operated businesses offering a variety of produ...
56fae1078f12f31900630223
In what Middle Eastern country is there a notable Somali population?
the United Arab Emirates
[ "Somalis\n\nThere is a sizable Somali community in the United Arab Emirates. Somali-owned businesses line the streets of Deira, the Dubai city centre, with only Iranians exporting more products from the city at large. Internet cafés, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and import-export businesses are all testimony t...
56fae1078f12f31900630224
What is another name for the city center of Dubai?
Deira
[ "Somalis\n\nThere is a sizable Somali community in the United Arab Emirates. Somali-owned businesses line the streets of Deira, the Dubai city centre, with only Iranians exporting more products from the city at large. Internet cafés, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and import-export businesses are all testimony t...
56fae1078f12f31900630225
People of what nationality export more products from Dubai than Somalis?
Iranians
[ "Somalis\n\nThere is a sizable Somali community in the United Arab Emirates. Somali-owned businesses line the streets of Deira, the Dubai city centre, with only Iranians exporting more products from the city at large. Internet cafés, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and import-export businesses are all testimony t...
56fae1078f12f31900630226
What is the name of an airline owned by Dubai-based Somalis?
Star African Air
[ "Somalis\n\nThere is a sizable Somali community in the United Arab Emirates. Somali-owned businesses line the streets of Deira, the Dubai city centre, with only Iranians exporting more products from the city at large. Internet cafés, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and import-export businesses are all testimony t...
56fae1078f12f31900630227
How many Dubai-based airlines are owned by Somalis?
three
[ "Somalis\n\nThere is a sizable Somali community in the United Arab Emirates. Somali-owned businesses line the streets of Deira, the Dubai city centre, with only Iranians exporting more products from the city at large. Internet cafés, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and import-export businesses are all testimony t...
56fae1818f12f3190063022d
Near what city in Sudan do many Somalis reside?
Khartoum
[ "Somalis\n\nBesides their traditional areas of inhabitation in Greater Somalia, a Somali community mainly consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, and students also exists in Egypt. In addition, there is an historical Somali community in the general Sudan area. Primarily concentrated in the north and Khartoum, the e...
56fae1818f12f3190063022e
In what geographical portion of Sudan do some Somalis live?
north
[ "Somalis\n\nBesides their traditional areas of inhabitation in Greater Somalia, a Somali community mainly consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, and students also exists in Egypt. In addition, there is an historical Somali community in the general Sudan area. Primarily concentrated in the north and Khartoum, the e...
56fae1818f12f3190063022f
Along with businesspeople, what sort of Somalis live in Sudan?
students
[ "Somalis\n\nBesides their traditional areas of inhabitation in Greater Somalia, a Somali community mainly consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, and students also exists in Egypt. In addition, there is an historical Somali community in the general Sudan area. Primarily concentrated in the north and Khartoum, the e...
56fae1818f12f31900630230
In what Somali enclave in Kenya have Somalis invested over $1.5 billion?
Eastleigh
[ "Somalis\n\nBesides their traditional areas of inhabitation in Greater Somalia, a Somali community mainly consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, and students also exists in Egypt. In addition, there is an historical Somali community in the general Sudan area. Primarily concentrated in the north and Khartoum, the e...
56fae1818f12f31900630231
In what province of South Africa do Somalis congregate?
Western Cape
[ "Somalis\n\nBesides their traditional areas of inhabitation in Greater Somalia, a Somali community mainly consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, and students also exists in Egypt. In addition, there is an historical Somali community in the general Sudan area. Primarily concentrated in the north and Khartoum, the e...
56fae1d7f34c681400b0c16d
What language family does the Somali language belong to?
Afro-Asiatic
[ "Somalis\n\nThe Somali language is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Its nearest relatives are the Afar and Saho languages. Somali is the best documented of the Cushitic languages, with academic studies of it dating from before 1900." ]
56fae1d7f34c681400b0c16e
What branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family does the Somali language belong to?
Cushitic
[ "Somalis\n\nThe Somali language is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Its nearest relatives are the Afar and Saho languages. Somali is the best documented of the Cushitic languages, with academic studies of it dating from before 1900." ]
56fae1d7f34c681400b0c16f
Along with Saho, what language is closely related to Somali?
Afar
[ "Somalis\n\nThe Somali language is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Its nearest relatives are the Afar and Saho languages. Somali is the best documented of the Cushitic languages, with academic studies of it dating from before 1900." ]
56fae1d7f34c681400b0c170
Among the Cushitic languages, which is the most well-documented?
Somali
[ "Somalis\n\nThe Somali language is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Its nearest relatives are the Afar and Saho languages. Somali is the best documented of the Cushitic languages, with academic studies of it dating from before 1900." ]
56fae1d7f34c681400b0c171
Before what year did studies on the Somali language exist?
1900
[ "Somalis\n\nThe Somali language is a member of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Its nearest relatives are the Afar and Saho languages. Somali is the best documented of the Cushitic languages, with academic studies of it dating from before 1900." ]
56fae2a48f12f31900630237
About how many people in Somalia speak Somali?
7.78 million
[ "Somalis\n\nThe exact number of speakers of Somali is unknown. One source estimates that there are 7.78 million speakers of Somali in Somalia itself and 12.65 million speakers globally. The Somali language is spoken by ethnic Somalis in Greater Somalia and the Somali diaspora." ]
56fae2a48f12f31900630238
In millions, about how many global Somali speakers are there?
12.65
[ "Somalis\n\nThe exact number of speakers of Somali is unknown. One source estimates that there are 7.78 million speakers of Somali in Somalia itself and 12.65 million speakers globally. The Somali language is spoken by ethnic Somalis in Greater Somalia and the Somali diaspora." ]
56fae2a48f12f31900630239
Along with Greater Somalia ethnic Somalis, who speaks Somali?
the Somali diaspora
[ "Somalis\n\nThe exact number of speakers of Somali is unknown. One source estimates that there are 7.78 million speakers of Somali in Somalia itself and 12.65 million speakers globally. The Somali language is spoken by ethnic Somalis in Greater Somalia and the Somali diaspora." ]
56fae2fc8f12f3190063023d
Along with Northern and Maay, what is the third main group of Somali dialects?
Benaadir
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali dialects are divided into three main groups: Northern, Benaadir and Maay. Northern Somali (or Northern-Central Somali) forms the basis for Standard Somali. Benaadir (also known as Coastal Somali) is spoken on the Benadir coast from Adale to south of Merca, including Mogadishu, as well as in the i...
56fae2fc8f12f3190063023e
What dialect is Standard Somali based on?
Northern Somali
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali dialects are divided into three main groups: Northern, Benaadir and Maay. Northern Somali (or Northern-Central Somali) forms the basis for Standard Somali. Benaadir (also known as Coastal Somali) is spoken on the Benadir coast from Adale to south of Merca, including Mogadishu, as well as in the i...
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What is another name for Benaadir?
Coastal Somali
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali dialects are divided into three main groups: Northern, Benaadir and Maay. Northern Somali (or Northern-Central Somali) forms the basis for Standard Somali. Benaadir (also known as Coastal Somali) is spoken on the Benadir coast from Adale to south of Merca, including Mogadishu, as well as in the i...
56fae2fc8f12f31900630240
What dialect is spoken on Mogadishu?
Benaadir
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali dialects are divided into three main groups: Northern, Benaadir and Maay. Northern Somali (or Northern-Central Somali) forms the basis for Standard Somali. Benaadir (also known as Coastal Somali) is spoken on the Benadir coast from Adale to south of Merca, including Mogadishu, as well as in the i...
56fae2fc8f12f31900630241
In what geographic part of Somalia do the Rahanweyn live?
southern
[ "Somalis\n\nSomali dialects are divided into three main groups: Northern, Benaadir and Maay. Northern Somali (or Northern-Central Somali) forms the basis for Standard Somali. Benaadir (also known as Coastal Somali) is spoken on the Benadir coast from Adale to south of Merca, including Mogadishu, as well as in the i...
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What is the most frequently used writing script for the Somali language?
the Somali alphabet
[ "Somalis\n\nA number of writing systems have been used over the years for transcribing the language. Of these, the Somali alphabet is the most widely used, and has been the official writing script in Somalia since the government of former President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre formally introduced it in October 197...
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Who introduced the Somali alphabet?
Mohamed Siad Barre
[ "Somalis\n\nA number of writing systems have been used over the years for transcribing the language. Of these, the Somali alphabet is the most widely used, and has been the official writing script in Somalia since the government of former President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre formally introduced it in October 197...
56fae3818f12f31900630249
In what month and year was the Somali alphabet introduced?
October 1972
[ "Somalis\n\nA number of writing systems have been used over the years for transcribing the language. Of these, the Somali alphabet is the most widely used, and has been the official writing script in Somalia since the government of former President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre formally introduced it in October 197...
56fae3818f12f3190063024a
Who created the Somali alphabet?
Shire Jama Ahmed
[ "Somalis\n\nA number of writing systems have been used over the years for transcribing the language. Of these, the Somali alphabet is the most widely used, and has been the official writing script in Somalia since the government of former President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre formally introduced it in October 197...
56fae3818f12f3190063024b
Who invented the Osmanya script?
Osman Yusuf Kenadid
[ "Somalis\n\nA number of writing systems have been used over the years for transcribing the language. Of these, the Somali alphabet is the most widely used, and has been the official writing script in Somalia since the government of former President of Somalia Mohamed Siad Barre formally introduced it in October 197...
56fae3e08f12f31900630251
Other than Somali, what is an official language of Somalia?
Arabic
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition to Somali, Arabic, which is also an Afro-Asiatic tongue, is an official national language in both Somalia and Djibouti. Many Somalis speak it due to centuries-old ties with the Arab world, the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. Somalia and Djibouti are also ...
56fae3e08f12f31900630252
To what language family does Arabic belong?
Afro-Asiatic
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition to Somali, Arabic, which is also an Afro-Asiatic tongue, is an official national language in both Somalia and Djibouti. Many Somalis speak it due to centuries-old ties with the Arab world, the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. Somalia and Djibouti are also ...
56fae3e08f12f31900630253
In what neighboring country is Arabic also an official language?
Djibouti
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition to Somali, Arabic, which is also an Afro-Asiatic tongue, is an official national language in both Somalia and Djibouti. Many Somalis speak it due to centuries-old ties with the Arab world, the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. Somalia and Djibouti are also ...
56fae3e08f12f31900630254
What organization do both Djibouti and Somalia belong to?
the Arab League
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition to Somali, Arabic, which is also an Afro-Asiatic tongue, is an official national language in both Somalia and Djibouti. Many Somalis speak it due to centuries-old ties with the Arab world, the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. Somalia and Djibouti are also ...
56fae3e08f12f31900630255
For how long has Somalia had connections to the Arab world?
centuries
[ "Somalis\n\nIn addition to Somali, Arabic, which is also an Afro-Asiatic tongue, is an official national language in both Somalia and Djibouti. Many Somalis speak it due to centuries-old ties with the Arab world, the far-reaching influence of the Arabic media, and religious education. Somalia and Djibouti are also ...
56fae437f34c681400b0c177
Civilizations from what geographic part of Africa influenced Somali culture?
Northeast
[ "Somalis\n\nThe culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of traditions developed independently and through interaction with neighbouring and far away civilizations, such as other parts of Northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and Southeast Asia." ]
56fae437f34c681400b0c178
Civilizations from what geographic part of Asia influenced Somali culture?
Southeast
[ "Somalis\n\nThe culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of traditions developed independently and through interaction with neighbouring and far away civilizations, such as other parts of Northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and Southeast Asia." ]
56fae437f34c681400b0c179
What Asian country notable influenced Somali culture?
India
[ "Somalis\n\nThe culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of traditions developed independently and through interaction with neighbouring and far away civilizations, such as other parts of Northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and Southeast Asia." ]
56fae437f34c681400b0c17a
Along with Northeast Africa, Southeast Asia and India, what locale had a significant influence on Somali culture?
the Arabian Peninsula
[ "Somalis\n\nThe culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of traditions developed independently and through interaction with neighbouring and far away civilizations, such as other parts of Northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and Southeast Asia." ]
56fae4b5f34c681400b0c17f
Somali food contains influences from what region?
Southeast Asian
[ "Somalis\n\nThe textile-making communities in Somalia are a continuation of an ancient textile industry, as is the culture of wood carving, pottery and monumental architecture that dominates Somali interiors and landscapes. The cultural diffusion of Somali commercial enterprise can be detected in its cuisine, which...
56fae4b5f34c681400b0c180
Along with textiles, wood carving and pottery, what ancient cultural activity still dominates Somalia today?
monumental architecture
[ "Somalis\n\nThe textile-making communities in Somalia are a continuation of an ancient textile industry, as is the culture of wood carving, pottery and monumental architecture that dominates Somali interiors and landscapes. The cultural diffusion of Somali commercial enterprise can be detected in its cuisine, which...
56fae4b5f34c681400b0c181
Who called Somalia a "Nation of Bards"?
Margaret Laurence
[ "Somalis\n\nThe textile-making communities in Somalia are a continuation of an ancient textile industry, as is the culture of wood carving, pottery and monumental architecture that dominates Somali interiors and landscapes. The cultural diffusion of Somali commercial enterprise can be detected in its cuisine, which...
56fae4b5f34c681400b0c182
Of what nationality is the person who called Somalia a "Nation of Bards"?
Canadian
[ "Somalis\n\nThe textile-making communities in Somalia are a continuation of an ancient textile industry, as is the culture of wood carving, pottery and monumental architecture that dominates Somali interiors and landscapes. The cultural diffusion of Somali commercial enterprise can be detected in its cuisine, which...
56fae4b5f34c681400b0c183
What is the profession of the individual who referred to Somalia as a "Nation of Bards"?
novelist
[ "Somalis\n\nThe textile-making communities in Somalia are a continuation of an ancient textile industry, as is the culture of wood carving, pottery and monumental architecture that dominates Somali interiors and landscapes. The cultural diffusion of Somali commercial enterprise can be detected in its cuisine, which...
56fae4d9f34c681400b0c189
What is a notable game that is played in Somalia?
Shax
[ "Somalis\n\nAll of these traditions, including festivals, martial arts, dress, literature, sport and games such as Shax, have immensely contributed to the enrichment of Somali heritage." ]
56fae4d9f34c681400b0c18a
Along with sport, games, literature, dress and festivals, what is a notable Somali cultural tradition?
martial arts
[ "Somalis\n\nAll of these traditions, including festivals, martial arts, dress, literature, sport and games such as Shax, have immensely contributed to the enrichment of Somali heritage." ]
56fae5418f12f3190063025b
What scale is used by most Somali songs?
pentatonic
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis have a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic. That is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale, such as the major scale. At first listen, Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby...
56fae5418f12f3190063025c
How many notes are in a hepatonic scale?
seven
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis have a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic. That is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale, such as the major scale. At first listen, Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby...
56fae5418f12f3190063025d
What is an exaple of a hepatonic scale?
the major scale
[ "Somalis\n\nSomalis have a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic. That is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale, such as the major scale. At first listen, Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby...