Subject Matter Analysis of Amharic Oral Lyric Poetry in Raya
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Traditional oral lyrics in Raya have been part of the life of the society. It has long been common
for Rayans to play lyric poems in working, wedding and funeral occasions. It is also very
common for itinerary singers to use lyric poems as they entertain people in drinking houses.
Through lyrics people in this area have been reflecting their happiness, grief, political notions,
working conditions, social comments etc. However, nowadays many influences are directly or
indirectly affecting this cultural practice. One among some influences is modernization. People
are using tape recorders in weddings and drinking houses. Farming activities are now changing.
Extension packages are now replacing the traditional ways of cultivation. Influence of foreign
culture through education is also another threat.
As a result of this condition, it becomes very important to study the oral lyrics which have long
been used in the area and to preserve them in a way which would be helpful to see the people’s
thought, feelings, beliefs, hopes and desires as well as their way of living in general through
subject matter analysis.
The study has four chapters. In the first chapter, it has been attempted to show the magnitude of
the problem, the purpose and method of the study. In the second chapter, an endeavor has been
made to give a theoretical framework of studying oral literature. In the third chapter an attempt
has been made to give the general background of the Rayan society. In the last chapter, an
endeavor has been made to give detailed subject matter analysis of Amharic oral lyric poems.
Taking sufficient sample poems, the researcher has made an attempt to discuss subject matter
issues in five genres: love, marriage, elegiac, topical and work poetry. At last, conclusions are
drawn about the major themes discussed in the analysis. Poems which are not included in the
analysis are made part of the appendix in order to preserve them for other interested researchers
in the area.
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Amharic Oral Lyric Poetry