Author(s) :

Daniel Kassahun Waktola.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Ethiopia’s rain-fed agriculture system is highly vulnerable to climate variability. Weather forecasting, derived from both indigenous and modern sources, plays a critical role for Ethiopian farmers, with each method having its own strengths and limitations. This study bridges the gap between indigenous knowledge and scientific methodologies by focusing on rain prediction and rainmaking practices in Ethiopia. By examining ecological indicators, ethnobotanical knowledge, and the role of smoke in cloud formation from a meteorological lens, the study identifies potential synergies between indigenous and modern meteorological techniques. The research highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge in sharpening the coarse resolution of satellite based data and suggests strategies for integrating these practices into modern meteorological systems. These strategies include detailed surveys of flora and fauna, controlled experiments, and incorporation of ethno-meteorology into the educational curriculum and operations of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute. This study enhances the development of effective, sustainable weather forecasting and climate adaptation strategies, fostering dialogue between indigenous and scientific knowledge in Ethiopia.

No. of Downloads :

12

Author(s) :

Ebrahim Damtäw1 and Omär Endris.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

With few exceptions the study of social history has largely been overlooked in both Africa and Ethiopia. Based on primary and secondary sources, this article has attempted to provide insights on certain aspects of the career of Šäykh Lägas Adäm, a prolific Islamic scholar, wali, herbalist and court figure. In doing so, the paper specifically examined the role he played in society as an herbalist and how community of Gondar responded to his career. In addition to healthcare, this study has examined his social role in the community as a role model for promoting unity, humility, charity, and friendship across religious and ethnic boundaries. This study aimed to illuminate and address gaps in the social and cultural history of Gondar City and its surrounding area. The research highlights Šäykh Lägas Adäm's exemplary career in fostering coexistence and cooperation across community boundaries. The researchers hope that the study of this iconic figure will benefit future generations by providing insights into the lived experiences of esteemed scholars and traditional healers like Šäykh Lägas Adäm. Key words: Šäykh Lägas, Wali, Herbalist, coexistence, Christians, Muslims, Ethiopia,Gondar

No. of Downloads :

3

Author(s) :

Anbessa Teferra.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper deals with the location encoding function of spatial pronouns and nouns in Sidaama, a Highland East Cushitic (henceforth HEC) language spoken in south-central Ethiopia. Spatial relations in Sidaama are encoded by spatial pronouns and spatial nouns, among other grammatical elements. Spatial pronouns are subdivided into free and bound forms. Both free and bound spatial pronouns have four-way gradations of distance (proximal, medial, mesiodistal, and distal) and do not exhibit gender and number distinctions. However, bound spatial pronouns (unlike their free counterpart) are inflected for case. Bound spatial pronouns can mark movement, location, and direction by encliticizing various formatives. In addition, they can also function as sentential connectors. Although spatial pronouns are categorically nominals, functionally, they are adverbs. The other grammatical device Sidaama employs to mark spatial relations (in particular projective spatial relations) is through spatial (locative) nouns that denote the Figure's location in relation to a Ground. The sources of many spatial nouns are body parts such as ʔalba ʻfaceʼ, ʔumo ʻheadʼ, baɗɗe ʻbackʼ, etc. whereby a source meaning is extended to a locative use. A body part functions as a locative only after it is grammaticalized by the suffixation of -ra ʻLOCʼ or -nni ʻABL/INSTR and the directional marker -iidi. Although spatial nouns function as locatives, categorically, they are nominals. For instance, similarly to nominals, they are marked for case. However, spatial nouns cannot be pluralized like regular nouns. Spatial nouns can express location, goal, or source of action by suffixing the locatives -nni or -ra.

No. of Downloads :

7

Author(s) :

Sumiyo Nishiguchi.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

In Djiboutian Somali, kalidi “only” is the licenser of the weak negative polarity item (NPI) wuli “ever.” Kalidi “only” changes the polarity of the sentence. The addition of kalidi “only” makes the otherwise felicitous NPI infelicitous despite the presence of negation, and otherwise felicitous positive polarity item (PPI) infelicitous even without the negative element. The contribution of kalidi “only” equals that of negation in that it flips over the polarity.

No. of Downloads :

6

Author(s) :

Eyob Kelemework Wolde.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Girma Awgichew Demeke’s book, ኩሽ እና ኩሻዊ፤ ቋንቋ፣ ታሪክ፣ ሀይማኖት እና ነገድ (Cush and Cushitic: Language, History, Religion and Race), promises to be a major academic contribution to Cushitic studies, drawing on the author’s extensive background in linguistics. His previous contributions in the area have significantly shaped the current work. Especially, the two books written in Amharic (አማርኛ)፡ ቋንቋ እና ነገድ በኢትዮጵያ ቅጽ አንድ እና ቅጽ ሁለት (Language and Race in Ethiopia, Vol. 1 & 2), are notable in this regard. Like some of his other works in the field, Demeke’s use of the local language Amharic (አማርኛ) has an invaluable contribution to the local community, where the local readers get access to books in their language. Demeke, who holds both an MA and PhD in Linguistics, skillfully combines linguistic analysis with historical and cultural research to explore the significance of Cush and Cushitic peoples in African history, particularly within the Ethiopian context. This in-depth study is published by The Red Sea Press, adding to an expanding body of work that aims to illuminate the often-confused interpretation of the current usage of the term Cushitic in linguistics with the ancient Kush civilization and the usage of the similar word in religious texts. In his thorough discussion, Demeke clearly shows that the current usage of the term Cushitic has nothing to do with the ancient Kush Kingdom or the biblical Kush. The author’s thesis, as clearly indicated in the preface and introduction, is to make a general analysis of Cush and Cushitic from linguistic and historical perspectives. The main objective reads as “ዋናው አላማችን ኩሽ ወይም የዚህ ዝርያ ቃል በሆኑት ስያሜዎች ስለሚጠቀሱት ህዝቦች እና ቋንቋዎች እንዲሁም ስለጥንታዊ የኩሽ ስርወመንግስት ጠቅለል ያለ ግንዛቤ ማስጨበጥ ነው” (p. XVII). This literary means the book aims to create a general understanding of the people and languages named by the word Cush and its derivatives, and the ancient Cush Dynasty. The book does what is said; this thesis statement is met.

No. of Downloads :

37

Author(s) :

Degsew Tilahun.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study explored the complex relationship between culture and development through the lens of traditional West Gojam foods, beverages, and food rituals. The researcher employed ethnographic methods–observation, interviews, and group discussions–to gather data. The study found that these traditions have a two-sided impact on development. On the positive side, traditional food and beverage production creates jobs and income, reducing unemployment and motivating community members to engage in work. Additionally, food rituals strengthen social bonds and build social capital, which is a valuable asset for community development. However, the study also identified negative cultural beliefs surrounding food and beverages that can hinder development, particularly regarding gender roles. The reseracher suggested that training programs should be implemented to address these negative attitudes, ultimately leading to a more prosperous society and nation.

No. of Downloads :

19