Tigrinya, often written as Tigrigna /tɪˈɡriːnjə/ (ትግርኛ Tigriññā) is a member of the Ethiopian Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic languages. It is spoken by the Tigrayans and Tigrinyas of the Horn of Africa. Tigrinya speakers primarily inhabit Eritrea (70%); this group is specifically known as the Tigrinyas. Tigrinya is also spoken by groups of emigrants from these regions, including some Beta Israel and the Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia (57%), where its speakers are called Tigrayans (Tigrawot; feminine Tigrāweyti, male Tigraway, plural Tegaru).