Geʽez, an ancient South Semitic language, holds a foundational place in Ethiopia’s cultural and religious history as the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the classical language of Ethiopian literature. Over centuries, it has symbolized Ethiopia’s national identity and intellectual traditions. In contemporary Ethiopia, political changes since 2018, especially under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, have impacted the cultural landscape, bringing ethnic federalism and identity politics to the forefront.
These shifts have led to tensions around Geʽez, often associated with the dominant Amhara culture and Orthodox Christianity, as some groups seek to assert their own ethnic identities. This has raised concerns about cultural erasure, as Geʽez and its associated heritage face marginalization amid ongoing struggles over national unity and ethnic autonomy. The tensions surrounding Geʽez reflect broader conflicts over history, power, and cultural recognition in modern Ethiopia.
The situation surrounding Geʽez underscores a conflict between preserving a shared, historic identity and accommodating Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic constituencies. Geʽez’s role as a cultural and spiritual symbol makes it a crucial, contested element in debates about Ethiopian identity and the politics of cultural inclusion and exclusion in the present day. This highlights the challenges Ethiopia faces in balancing unity and diversity within its evolving political framework.
Comments
Post a Comment