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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Contemporary Amharic Oral Poetry from Gojjam: Classification and a Sample Analysis
Author:Gelaye, Getie
Year:1999
Periodical:Aethiopica: International Journal of Ethiopian Studies
Volume:2
Pages:124-143
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:oral poetry
songs
Ethiopian-Semitic languages
songs (form)
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Education and Oral Traditions
Literature, Mass Media and the Press
External link:https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/aethiopica/article/view/537/541
Abstract:This paper provides a classification of Amharic oral poems and songs into several themes. It is based on fieldwork conducted in 1997 and 1998 among the peasants of Dej Mariam and Gedeb Giorgis in East Gojjam Administrative Region, northwest Ethiopia. The paper identifies major genres such as work songs, children's songs, war chants, boasting recitals and lamentations. The themes are illustrated with selected texts in Amharic and their English translations. The paper presents a description and analysis of the selected poems and their role, particularly in local politics and administration. In their poems and songs, the peasants of East Gojjam critically express their views, attitudes and feelings, either in the form of support or protest, towards the various State policies and local directives. Bibliogr., notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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