Somali is an Afro-Asiatic language spoken by the Somali people, primarily in Somalia, where it is the official language, as well as in neighboring regions and by diaspora communities around the world. It belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family and has several dialects, with Central Somali being the most widely used.

The Somali script traditionally used is called Osmanya, but the Latin script is also commonly employed. Somalia has a rich oral tradition that has been passed down through generations through storytelling, poetry, and song. It has a unique grammatical structure characterised by agglutination, where prefixes and suffixes are added to the root words to convey various meanings.

Culturally, the Somali language is deeply embedded in the traditions and identity of the Somali people. Poetry, in particular, holds a special place in Somali culture, and poets are highly regarded. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote and preserve the Somali language, especially in the face of challenges posed by civil unrest, displacement, and the influence of other languages. The language plays a crucial role in connecting Somali communities and preserving their rich cultural heritage.