Situational Use of Tigrinya on the Eve of 'K'udus Yohannes'

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Periodical article

Title:	Situational Use of Tigrinya on the Eve of 'K'udus Yohannes'
Author:	Tewelde Ghebreyohannes
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Journal of Eritrean Studies (Asmara)
Volume:	1
Issue:	1
Pages:	75-85
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Eritrea Northeast Africa
Subjects:	religious festivals songs Tigrigna language Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft language Tigrinya language Language and languages
Abstract:	At a given time, language can be used in different situations for different purposes. Language like a mirror reflects the culture of its speakers. This paper deals with the situational use of Tigrinya on the eve of 'K'udus Yohannes', the Hoya Hoye day and the New Year in the Giiz calender. It focuses on the activities and songs performed during 'K'udus Yohannes' as reflecting the economic, religious, and political life of the Eritrean people. In the main, the discussion reveals that the Eritreans were victims of famine and aggression, and that they relied very much on themselves to overcome their problems. They depended on God and their saints for protection, and, in the face of political aggressors and ecomonic hardships, they believed in the idea of resilience throughout their history. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]