Amharic and Ethiopic Onomastics – A Classic Ethiopian Legacy, Concept and Ingenuity
Yemane, Elias

Description

This book examines the history and development of names in pre-Christian and Christian Ethiopia as well as the syntax and meaning of Amharic and Ethiopic personal names. It demonstrates in detail the grammatical classification of each Amharic and Ethiopic personal name, and provides technical transliterations for each entry in both English and Amharic. This research also contains extensive lists of bibliography on Ethiopian studies, theology of names and African religions. This book will be of interest to Africans and African-Americans who desire to learn more about their ancient African heritage, and invaluable to scholars of Africana and Semitic Studies.

Reviews

“In this impressive book, Elias Yemane has provided us a reason to believe that the ancient empire of Aksum laid the foundation for a civilization that is only now becoming more visible to people outside of Ethiopia….. What is so remarkable about this work is that the author has more than a passing familiarity with Gə‘əz and Amharic, the two languages that are used most in his analysis….. Those who come to this work as neophytes will leave as mature students of ancient African culture. Those who come to this work as mature scholars will leave with something more to add to their already large store of examples, illustrations, and concepts showing the extensive creations of the African forefathers and foremothers. This is a work to be read many times. Indeed, I have found it remarkable for its scientific orientation, conceptual clarity, and precision of language. we are fortunate that the brilliant work that comes from the author is a product of his mind and all of the conceptual work that preceded him in the development of the Ethiopian intellectual tradition….. By outlining the many streams that poured into the great gulf of Ethiopian history, the author has presented us with a masterful work of classic proportions.” (From The Preface) Molefi Kete Asante, Temple University

“This book is a useful contribution to Ethiopian cultural studies. It provides the reader with insightful and astute models of name formations in Amharic and related languages, analyzing the underlying meanings associated with names and naming practices in Ethiopia with additional well-informed commentary. This book is also full of interesting details that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all readers…..Theoretically sound and well-researched, [this] book represents a valuable contribution to our knowledge of Ethiopia. Not only does it record and preserve an important component of Ethiopian cultural heritage, [it] also helps our understanding of the multifaceted nature of Ethiopian society.” – Ephraim Isaac, Director, Institute of Advanced Semitic and Afrosiatic Studies, Princeton University

“This is a fascinating and valuable book, replete with far more information about Ethiopian and specifically Amhara culture than just the meaning and relevance of personal names….The system of personal names in Amharic is itself a subject deserving of this kind of in-depth study, and no such detailed treatment has appeared before in English…..a valuable and useful contribution.” – Dr. David Appleyard, University of London

Table of Contents

System of Transliteration
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
PART ONE
Introduction
1. THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF ETHIOPIA
2. THE INFLUENCES OF ETHIOPIC AND AMHARIC NAMES
3. PHILOSOPHY OF ETHIOPIC AND AMHARIC NAMES
4. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A NAME
PART TWO
5. AMHARIC VERBAL SENTENCE NAMES
6. AMHARIC NOMINAL SENTENCE NAMES
7. VARIOUS NAMES
8. ETHIOPIC TWO-ELEMENT NAMES
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

ISBN10:  0-7734-6308-9   ISBN13:  978-0-7734-6308-0    Pages:  310    Year:  2004   

Series: Studies in Onomastics Number: 7

Subject Areas:  African - Anthropology, African Studies,

Imprint: Edwin Mellen Press

USA List Price: $139.95 UK List Price: £ 94.95  

Discounts: Discounts are available. Please Register, or if you have already registered, Sign In, to view your personalized prices.