Author(s) :

YOHANNES GEBRESILLASSIE.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The origin of Ethiopic numerical signs has been a subject of controversy and hot debate among scholars. No consensus is yet reached. Two groups are immediately noticeable: those who claim Greek origin and those ascribe Geᶜez numerical signs to Ethiopian origin. In this short essay, I will argue that the suggestion of those who claim a Greek origin is largely on a priori assumptions. These scholars base their interpretation solely on medieval paleographical traditions, because the two inscriptions bearing the earliest Geᶜez numerical signs were revealed to scholars relatively recently. RIÉth 218 from Anza (near the town of Hauzen, Eastern Tegray) and HS1 from Ḥǝnzat (not far from the small town of Edaga Arbi, Central Tegray) were discovered in 1939 and 2011 respectively. The inscription designated HS1 (Ḥǝnzat Stela 1) is important because it bears the oldest numerical ciphers which indicate the usage of symbols (figures) to represent numerals in Geᶜez (Ethiopic); in older inscriptions numbers were written in words. I will argue that Geᶜez numerical signs may have originated from non-vocalized Geᶜez alphabets and Geᶜez punctuation stroke.

No. of Downloads :

23

Author(s) :

Ebrahim Damtew.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examines selected works on Islam, Muslim communities, and the Ethiopian state from early times to twentieth centuries. It is evident that Islam and Muslim communities have been an integral part of the Ethiopian societies since its introduction to the country, but it is one of the less studied thematic areas in the Ethiopian historiography. Although there is steadily increment of research on Islam, Muslim communities and Muslim spaces in Ethiopia, the historical lacuna is still apparent in studying and understanding Islam and Muslims in Ethiopian history and culture, especially in northwest provinces of the country such as Gondar. The study applies survey of the available sources on the topic under consideration. It examines both available primary and secondary sources. The examined sources show the significance of Islamic culture and its adherents in the Ethiopian state.

No. of Downloads :

14

Author(s) :

Assefa Balcha.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The study makes an attempt to reconstruct the history of the most widely held socio-cultural and religious belief on spiritual entities known alternatively as Jinn, Ganen, Diablos, Saytan, and Aganent. These noxious spiritual beings were believed to be responsible for a range of human illnesses against which diverse kinds of indigenous preventive and therapeutic methods had been employed. Recording disease causations is an important step towards an understanding of the underlying beliefs and attitudes of a community along with its therapeutic preferences to maintain the physical and social wellbeing. The data gathered in this kind of study may well be used as an input for conventional medicine to comprehend and devise appropriate health education and intervention strategy. Making use of both primary and secondary sources the research will shed a ray of light on this existential and ingrained worldview.

No. of Downloads :

12

Author(s) :

Mulusew Asratie.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper tries to provide how tense is mapped in Amharic. Amharic expresses tense periphrastically by using verbs to indicate past and non-past. However, it is not uncommon to find the past tense marker in non-past and the non-past tense markers in past contexts. In all their occurrences, the tense markers show various semantic contrasts to each other in addition to tense. Based on these semantic contrasts, I argue that the mapping of past and non-past tense in Amharic is fashioned in such a way that the past tense marker indicates exclusion and the non-past tense markers indicate inclusion, similar to Iatridou’s (2000) proposal for English and Greek. I also show that the mapping of tense in such a way explains the unique interaction of the tense markers with negation and complementizers (conditionals) in the language.

No. of Downloads :

6

Author(s) :

Siraye Endalew Wobetie.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study was conducted on Functions of Marriage Ritual in Jabi Tehinan district, Amhara Region. Usually, marriage is a drastic transition and transformation of human’s life. Because of this during Marriage different, continuous, and functional rituals are performed. In the Jabi Tehinan district child marriage is still being practiced which makes marriage transition difficult and complex. However, many rituals help couples’ transition and transform this difficult childhood marriage. The rituals have the roles of accompanying the transition of marriage (highlighting), providing treatment (healing), adapting the couples to the transition (exercising the change), announcing the change of status (confirming) and strengthening the social relationships of the community. The study, in general, looked at the rituals that take place from the eve of the wedding to the honeymoon ceremony, where the main transition and change of marriage takes place. The ceremonies have different roles for brides and the community around them.

No. of Downloads :

7

Author(s) :

Assefa Balcha.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Based on the available written sources and my own longtime research activities in the area, the paper tries to show why and how indigenous medical manuscripts, despite their incalculable importance, were not properly looked after and preserved in Ethiopia. There are still quite a number of manuscripts that should be thoroughly studied and treasured. For this to happen, a concerted effort is required from individuals and institutions that are committed to preserving the healing tradition of the country and passing them on to the next generation. The object of the study is to examine the challenges of preservation and make some potentially workable recommendations.

No. of Downloads :

5