The Social Function of Amharic Folk Poetry With Reference to Shänä A in Rayya Qobbo
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In countries like Ethiopia, where the rate of literacy is very low, and the
written word is deficient to wave public opinion, the role of folk literature is
mammoth. Contrary to this fact, folk literature in Ethiopia is overwhelmed
by western cultures and many such heritages are on the verge of oblivion, in
the country in general and in Rayya Qobbo in particular; and Shänä##a folk
poetry is among the victimized assets. Bearing such assumptions in mind,
this study was designed to record Shänä##a folk poetry in Rayya Qobbo and
to examine its social functions through thematic as well as contextual
analyses.
The study embraces six chapters, of which the first provides a general
background to the study, physical and social setting of the study area and
insights about the magnitude of the problem, the objectives, significances
and scope. In the second chapter, different theories, approaches and studies
are reviewed and definitions of terms are given to substantiate the research
with guiding framework. In chapter three, the different methods employed in
collecting Amharic Shänä##a folk poetry using audiotape recorder and
classifications used in the study are described. In the fourth chapter, a brief
description of the ceremonial process of Shänä##a and major occasions of
performances of Shänä##a folk poetry are given. Chapter five, mainly deals
with a contextual analysis of Shänä##a folk poetry to brought to the fore its
themes and social functions. Thus, forty poems were selected, transcribed
on paper, translated in to English and analyzed accordingly. Chapter six,
the conclusion, gives a succinct summary of the social functions of
Shänä##a folk poetry as reflected in the data collected and analyzed.
Thus, the study revealed blessing, curse, praise, socio-political commentary,
historical record and cherishing patriarchy as the major social functions of
Shänä##a folk poetry. Blessing appeared as the most common function
served and wealth, power and fame, victory, successful marriage, health,
long life and righteousness were identified as the main focuses. Regarding
curse, contrary to blessing, weak sides of individuals got expressions. Praise
also appeared playing roles in upraising individual’s generosity, wealth and
heroic deeds. In the category of socio-political commentary, criticism of the
manner of the society like envy and malevolent and protest against a
government were reflected. In recording history, historical places, names of
heroes and heroic deeds appeared as points of focuses. Finally, Shänä##a
folk poetry was also found playing roles in maintaining conformity to male
supremacy by cherishing patriarchy.
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Keywords
ShänäA in Rayya Qobbo