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Soqotri is one of the most ancient forms of languages spoken in the Arabian Peninsula. Soqotri is the native language of the people of Socotra, which lies off the southern coast of Yemen.
Soqotri was the first modern South African language, which was discovered in the year 1834, about 170 years ago. Soqotri like other south Arabian languages is a non-written language. It is the only language, which is spoken exclusively on the islands of Arabian Peninsula. Unlike the other languages of the group, Soqotri has remained isolated for many centuries and has not been much influenced by external sources.
Soqotri language is a part of the south Semitic language. The speakers of Soqotri language are quite rare on the mainland area of Yemen and this makes it a secluded language spoken in specific areas. Even though Soqotri people still speak in the native language with each other, yet it has been considerably affected by influences of Arabian language. Only some old women and men speak in original Soqotri language. As a result of the growth of Arabic and other languages, the Soqotri language is witnessing a fear of complete extinction from the Arabian Peninsula. Members of the Soqotra Archipelago need to take specific steps to preserve this native language of Yemeni tribal groups.
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