The Influence of Inter-ethnic Attitude on Inter-ethnic Quality of Interaction among A.A.U. Main Campus Oromo, Amhara and Tigray Students
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of inter ethnic attitude on interethnic
quality of interaction among the three ethnic groups of Ethiopia (Oromo, Amhara and
Tigray).
The research methodology employed in this study was survey and qualitative. Accordingly, item,
interview and FGD guidelines were used. Pilot test was conducted on 27 students. 280 students
were participants composed of 11 ° Oromo, 110, Amhara, 60, Tigray for the main study. StratfJ'~d
random sampling was employed to select the sample participants. Self report questionnaire was
dispatched and questionnaire not properly filled were discarded. Results obtained were analyzed
using T-test, multiple regression analysis, bivariate correlation and ANOVA.
To this end, answers pertaining to the basic questions unveiled that statistically significant sex
difference was found on attitude but not on interaction. Among the ethnic Oromo, Amhara and
Tigray students statistically significant difference oj attitude and interaction responses was
found. More negative inter group attitude and less positive previous interethnic contact were
related to more negative expectancies, negative emotional responses and greater desire to avoid
interethnic interactions. Previous experience of contact, anger and out group attitude are best and
powerful predictors of desire to avoid cross-ethnic interaction for the three ethnic groups of Oromo.
Amhara and Tigray.
The data obtained through interview and FGD disclosed that the triggering factor for relationship
dissolution elucidated were, misunderstanding among ethnic groups, differing political ideology,
perceived and real threat, pejorative and demeaning labeling of others and bitter hatred that
plague the bulk of the university community. mtimately, among the suggested remedies for such
strained relationship by participants were, open - dialogue, open-mindedness, developing culture
of tolerance, cross-ethnic ties and formation of friendship. Based on the results, the recommended
notions were intensive work on accommodation and sensitivity, advocacy of differences and
designing policies that lay foundation for the development of multiculturalism and basic
interaction skills that remind people.
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Keywords
Inter-ethnic Attitude on Inter-ethnic Quality