Author(s) :

Baye Yimam .

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This paper is an attempt made to fill in gaps in the morphosyntax of Amharic deictics. It makes a thorough description of the inflections of personal, spatial and locative deictics at root and stem levels. At the root level, deictics show affixes for the nominal features of person, gender or number and at the stem level, they show inflections for such adnominal features as dimension, exclusive and presentative reference of objects in space and / or discourse. The affixes of the nominal features at the root level are obligatory whereas those affixes at the stem level are optional and that both types of affixes follow the same pattern of affix ordering where the affixes of the adnominal features of the stem follow the affixes of nominal features of the root. Both the roots and their extended stems take noun phrases as their complements and the heads of such complements may remain null or undergo ellipses as their content is recoverable from the forms of the agreement affixes or from the context of a running discourse.

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16

Author(s) :

Esayas Tajebbe.

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In this chapter, I discuss the morphological, syntactic, and semantic properties of spatial deictic expressions in Tigrinya. Tigrinya uses demonstratives to encode spatial deixis, which can be divided into pronominal forms (e.g., ʔɨzi ‘this’ and ʔɨti ‘that’) and adnominal forms (e.g., ʔɨz- and ʔɨt-). The language’s demonstratives differentiate between proximal and distal references and show gender and number contrasts. I argue that pronominal demonstratives form the basis for spatial deictic expressions in Tigrinya. Additionally, I demonstrate how location adverbs are derived from demonstratives through the locative preposition ab, as in ab=zi-u ‘here’ and ab=ti-u ‘there,’ and how directional adverbs (e.g., nab=zi-u ‘over here’ and kab=ti-u ‘from there’) are created by combining demonstratives with prepositions, specifically nab ‘to(ward)’ and kab ‘from’.

No. of Downloads :

9

Author(s) :

Keffyalew Gebregziabher.

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In this paper, I analyze deictic expressions in Tigrinya, focusing mainly on spatial deixis, a domain that presents unique insights into the interaction between syntax and pragmatics. I show that Tigrinya exhibits a three-way contrast, distinguishing between (i) distal from both speaker and addressee, (ii) proximal to both speaker and addressee, and (iii) proximal to the addressee alone. This contrast contributes to the ongoing debate in deictic expressions by demonstrating the different ways in which spatial relationships are encoded across languages. Building on previous work, I develop a new framework that distinguishes this contrast by integrating both syntactic and pragmatic features, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Tigrinya spatial deixis. I argue that the categorial and functional variation observed in Tigrinya spatial deixis can be explained by invoking semantic features (e.g., [ADDR(essee)], [PROX(mal)]) and formal Person features (e.g., [1], [2]) that occupy different structural positions within the extended nominal spine, DP. Taking issue with the view that space plays no role in spatial deixis, I present empirical evidence supporting the claim that the primary function of demonstratives is shaped by both grammatical and discourse-interactive aspects of language.

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11

Author(s) :

Daniel Kassahun Waktola.

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The commentary critiques the rise of ethnically defined academic journals in Ethiopia, warning they risk turning scholarship into tribal advocacy. It argues these platforms undermine academic neutrality by favoring ethnic loyalties over intellectual rigor. While acknowledging the need for cultural representation, it calls for more inclusive academic spaces and integrative publishing models, drawing on examples from India and Nigeria. Ultimately, it defends the integrity of academia against rising ethnic polarization.

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14

Author(s) :

Muna Salih.

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This article offers a critical commentary on Ethiopia’s current affairs, delving into 50 years of ethnic politics and the devastation it has wrought, particularly over the past 33 years since the TPLF’s ascent to power. Ethnic politics, or broadly, ethno-nationalism characterized by hatred and corruption, has escalated to an unprecedented peak. The indiscriminate killing of innocent individuals—children, elders, mothers, and pregnant women—has become normalized, shockingly without condemnation from the governing body. Hate propaganda, sometimes disseminated by government officials, persists without repercussions, seemingly a prerequisite for maintaining power. The rule of law has become a luxury, as the populace grapples with basic survival. This commentary is rich with factual evidence and proposes concrete solutions.

No. of Downloads :

10

Author(s) :

Destaw Filatie Belay .

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This study examines the interplay between socio-cultural practices and environmental degradation in selected woredas (districts)—Sätit-Humära, Wälqayét, and Ţägädé—within the Wogära Awraja of Northwestern Ethiopia from 1965 to 1985. It identifies socio-cultural practices and environmental trends that significantly impacted the local environment. The research details how factors such as climate change, hunting, agricultural practices, overgrazing, over-cultivation, deforestation, drought, and famine collectively threatened the survival of these societies. By analyzing environmental degradation through this lens, the study encourages a re-evaluation of socio-cultural practices, potentially fostering radical shifts in environmental attitudes. Qualitative in nature, this research relied on primary sources including archival documents, observations, and in-depth interviews. Secondary sources comprised relevant books, articles, and other scholarly works. The findings indicate that the environment is perceived as a critical factor influencing both the mental and physical well-being of society, and vice versa. Consequently, effective environmental management must be intrinsically linked with an understanding of these socio-cultural practices. This approach enhances the mutual responsibility and influence between the environment and society.

No. of Downloads :

5