Thematic Significance of Biblical Allusion in Contemporary Amharic Songs
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Date
2009-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Biblical allusion has varied literary significances in poetry, particularly in
songs. For example, it serves as thematic strengthening. Many of the world
famous artists use Biblical allusion in their lyrics as a means at' theme
development. As a result, they are successful in transferring their message to
song listeners understandably. This trend of alluding to the Holy 13iblc is also
becoming a common trend in most contemporary Amharic SUllgS. UU·;\l.ISC
using Biblical ullu siou s makes theme in songs st.rot igc r. MOI"CllV('I, III ilq~illt~
Biblical allusion into songs enables listeners to comprehend the subject mutter.
the lyrist want to transfer.
In this paper, analysis is. made on selected Amharic songs by dcscr ibiug liow
Biblical allusion served to amplify theme of songs through stil1llll~lIil\g itl(·;\s,
associations, and extra information. The main intention of the study is
listeners as well as scholars in the fields would have clear undcrstundiug about
the relevance of the Holy Bible in Amharic songs. To do that, the study
attempts to demonstrate the effect of Biblical allusion in Amharic songs and its
contribution in the thematic context of Ethiopian culture, social, economic and
political system.
A typical method like purposive sampling is used to analyze about twenty rive
songs that are more readily accessible and appears to be representative of all
contemporary Amharic songs.
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Keywords
Contemporary Amharic Songs