Mathewos, Berhanu (Ph D)Jaleta, Tadesse2018-06-222023-12-052018-06-222023-12-052004-01http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/2976The major goal of the study is understanding functions of Guji-Oromo proverbs within contexts of their use. To achieve this goal, an attempt was made to collect proverbs from two types of occasion, namely, Ebbisaa (blessing session) and Gumi Ganda (local meetings of elders). The first type of occasion embodies cultural contexts such as traditional prayers, blessings, enumeration of cultural values and ways of life, whereas, the second one undertakes social contexts like ridiculing of misbehaving people, settlement of social problems, reconciliation of disagreements and advising and prompting of people mainly the youth. The study shows that proverbs which are used in Ebbisaa serve reflective function, while, those employed in Gumi Ganda are important in their corrective and reinforcing functions. More specifically, in Ebbisaa, proverbs reflect the customary practices, the values of morality and the strictness of Guji social laws. In Gumi Ganda, some proverbs function as means of correcting disorders such as poverty, misbehaviour and interpersonal disagreements. The others serve as instruments of reinforcing intra-tribal solidarity and conformity with environmental situations. Thus, the Guji-Oromo proverbs play great roles in strengthening tribal solidarity and creating public responses to social, cultural and economic obstacles. Furthermore, the study has attempted to show that proverbs can be used for building up a community, maintaining culture and producing responsible people.enStudy of Guji-Oromo ProverbsThesis