All helpful scholarly and researched articles as well as constructive personal views and inputs contributing to the project of developing a written language for the Irob ethnic minority are welcome!
09/19/2009
Kudos to the braves of our language study project!
Dear Irob language study project committee members and Irobs around the globe.
Before proceeding with my brief commentary, I would like to insert some words about the brave men and women working relentlessly in the language study project committee. You are the shining heroes/heroines of our time. Your farsightedness and altruistic nature combined with courage, vision and dedication gives me a great comfort. Had it not been for your interception, within 25‐50 years the extinction of our language would have been eminent. Thanks for all the efforts you are making, the burden you are shouldering and the sacrifices you are paying to save our language, identity, culture, values, etc. I am so grateful to what you all are giving to the service of your people. Kudos to our braves!
Having said this I would like to proceed with my brief comments. Since short, some compatriots are debating on www.irrob.org as to what the name of our language should be. Although, I prefer not to focus on the name, I couldn’t comprehend how it would be wrong if it bear the name Irob‐Saho. To add ones national Identity in the name of a given language is not uncommon. The English spoken In Great‐Britain called British English, In the USA American English (although there is no race called American as somebody wants us believe), In Australia, Australian English,.… etc. The same goes for Arabic. These Nations perfectly understood that their National Identity is at stake and need to be preserved. Why then would it be wrong if we call our language Irob‐Saho?
As to me, to name our language Irob‐Saho will keep both our Identity and language alive for long If not for ever. In addition to that we don’t have to forget the difference in dialect if not with most words in some cases. The argument “our future” is interconnected with our neighbors makes sense. But, what will connect us is a common interest. They will deal with us only when they see what we can provide. The same is true to the Irob . Therefore, what we primarily need to find should not necessarily be a common name for our language. We rather need to focus on what we can provide and receive in order to enhance the cooperation and common understanding with them. Besides, some observers seem to have negative impressions and/or perceptions which can lead our community to unnecessary misunderstanding. At this juncture opening such divisive dialog will not help advance our cause. Hence, I strongly advice everybody refrain one’s self from making such irresponsible statements for the consequence would be catastrophic. The tranquility that existed for centuries among our community must not be undermined under any condition.
Dear netters, allow me add some points about Irob values to help expand the dialog among the Irob compatriots a little farther. It is clear that our brave brothers/sisters in the language project study are very much aware of the deterioration of the Irob values and I am convinced the main purpose of their commitment is to enable us all to be able to address the issue properly. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have cared to pay such enormous sacrifices for the preservation of the language. Language is a reflection of one’s own values, culture, tradition and heritage. Their plan to include radio broadcasting, publishing of books and periodicals in our own language, show their commitment to the preservation of the total Irob identity. Our values and traditions of adjudication, arbitration and negotiations are pity enough getting replaced by neglect, omission or in its worst by altercation and are being considered archaic. Adultery is considered no more an exception; it is rather becoming a norm to an extent ofundermining our moral and Christian values. Respect towards each other is getting eroded. Amoral behaviors among our society are becoming pervasive than ever. Respect for the elderly, the culture of Irob hospitality, and the Irob sense of justice are being compromised under our own eyes. Our youth, the leaders of tomorrow are not being equipped enough with the values that we were used too. Those from whom a lot is expected in guiding our society to the right destination are seemingly not leaving up to the expectation. Our social institutions are being undermined and our traditional social values have considerably diminished or are relegated aside. The church that one’s was a bulwark of our community is, these days loosing the grip that it enjoyed for centuries. Our spiritual leaders and community elders need to review and properly assess how our community and religious institutions could better be served or serve. To underestimate their roll is a risky business in a community such as ours. They are/were a source of our moral inspirations and this valuable element must be preserved. But, this enormous task cannot be accomplished merely by religious leaders or community elders. It needs our united effort.
Besides, a lot of anomalous cultures are getting blended in to what is/was ours, and if left unchecked, will over time lead us to self destruction. Our youth must be brought back to the core Irob values. But, this mission will be insurmountable if we fail to act in unison. Our concerted effort is paramount for the success of the mission.
Our braves have understood the impasses we are in, and are determined to avert it. They are asking for our helping hand. With our unreserved help, I am sure they will be accomplishing a wonderful job. So, let’s not let them down. Their good work is a renaissance to our identity, language, value and tradition. A positive material and intellectual contribution of compatriots will make their endeavor smoother. Hence, let’s support the marvelous effort in all aspects we can. Thank you guys! You are doing a marvelous job and must be commended.
God bless them and their work,
Fesseha Mengesha
“Saho is the real Irob’s language”
Dear Irob nationals allover the world,
I wish you a prosperous new Ethiopian Year filled with best visions!
In this letter, I would like to discuss and share with you my opinion on the current burning issue about the name of the Irob language in debate among some Irob nationals. I have read some of the Irob nationals’ views posted on the www.irrob.org. More or less, I share my view with Ato Seyoum Berhe’s and Ato Huluf Woldesilassies’s basic ideas.
Now I am writing this letter hoping to ad and contribute some more input to their ideas. While anybody wants to do anything concerning any society’s historical/cultural identity, it is vital that he/she proceed carefully making gradual steps. There is a proverb that says, “Something is better than nothing”. This means doing something is better than doing nothing, but not blindly!
Moreover, there is an agenda on naming the Irob language. This idea was raised last year by some of the Irob nationals and still the debate is continuing. Of course, it is a great agenda. But for me, personally, it is very difficult to appreciate it. To me it is a strange idea to bring this as an issue to the people. Because the Irob nationals already know the name of the language they speak. Our ancestors, parents and we our own selves speak the language called “Saho”. Our first grand-ancestors who spoke this language are the sons of Worede-Mehret. I think this is clear to every Irob national.
Let me justify my idea a little bit:
While I try to justify my personal idea, I do not recommend myself to be far from the real situation on the ground among Irobs at the site. Because, there are even some historical accounts (events) which had been written on the Irobs by some outsiders: Most of them, not belonging to the Irob people, could not really digest the real facts and describe well the historical background of the Irobs. For this reason, one cannot totally depend upon those types of history. There are also some concerned Irob nationals who attempted to write about the Irobs. We appreciate their efforts but there are still needs for further improvements.
Let me now bring you to my main agenda.
Step One
Let us look into ourselves and call parts of our body
Gaas = Hair
Degha= Head
Neaf = face
Filla =Kneck
Adda = Back
Garba = Abdomen
Ebba = Leg
Sara = Cloth etc.
In what language did we call our parts of the body?
Step Two
Let us look into to our domestic and wildlife wealth
Domestic Animals = erraro Saa
Lla = Cattle/ cows
Alla = Goats
Eddo = Sheep
Okolo = Donkeys etc
Wildlife = Debala
Gabtoo = Wild goat
Azgalab = Rabit
Saisara = wild cattle
Dillalle = Bee etc
In what language did we call domestic and wildlife animals?
Step Three
Let us look into to natural vegetation wealth
Sarida = (Tid)
Olae = olive tree
Balasa =Cacus tree
Aisso = Grass
In what language did we call our natural vegetation?
Step Four
Let us look into to names our land escapes
Laillaye
Awdda
Damba comma
Aiga
Alitiena
Awo
Unduffe
Assimba
Gundegunde
In what language did we call our land escapes?
Step Five
Communication
Naga = Hello
Bado Amana? = Is very things ok? Etc
In what language did we communicate?
Sixth step
Our poems and verses
Massene
Ayentta
Goila
In what language do we use?
Let me take you to some reference books which had written on the Irob people.
In the Encyclopedia Britannica, there is a title “Saho”. In the title we find Saho speaking tribes like Assaurta, Gaaso, Hazo and Dabrimella and we find the Irob as subtitle. It says, “The Irobs are Saho speaking Christians. They belong to the Amhara people”. From this sentence we can understand two things: First, the people are originally Tigrians. Second, the interpreter seems a Saho speaker because the Saho speakers call Tigrians as “Amhara”, and he says,” … they belong to the Amhara people”. This coincides with the historical background of our ancestors came from. It indicates that the Irob people’s language is Saho. In Addis Zemen news paper, which had been published in 1985 G.C in Addis - Ababa by the Ethiopian news agency, we find in one of its articles: the Irob nationals quoted that the name of the people as “Irob” and the name of the language as “Saho.” The members of the Irob people who wrote this are intellectuals. They clearly justified the why.
Conclusion:
As we know a language has its scientific meaning. It is a means (instrument) of communication. People communicate their historical, social, cultural, economic and political feelings through their language. It has no border, it has no political differentiations. Any language can be conceived in parent language, it’s born and developed, and then declines and dies.
Basically, in what language do we express our private, historical, social, cultural, economic and political feelings? If we internalize and appreciate those feelings, we do express them in Saho language. Let us see other related examples.
During the colonization period, we can see numbers of European countries having colonized Latin American, Asian and African countries for centuries. There the European countries forced the colonized countries’ people to use the European countries’ language and the people of the colonies adopted European countries language. Even now they are speaking the former (previous) colonizers’ languages but they are never called Europeans. They are called Latin Americans, Asians or Africans respectively.
In our (Irob) case, our ancestors had been speaking most probably Tigrigna before they had come to the present land. But after they had come to the present homeland, they adopted Saho language. They used to speak Saho language. If one reads the detail of Suba Haish’s writings “some facts about the Irobs”, it is clear that our Identity is Irob and our language is Saho.
According to my suggestion then, it is not rational to baptize with a new name our language with insufficient justifications. Because, it is confusion to say what do we call our language, Irob or Saho? I never read or heard a language whose name is Irob. If we refer I doubt we may not find a language called Irob in Ethiopia or even in any dictionary of the world. I think this is not political agenda. It is scientific agenda and more technical. We shall not push people into confusion. It is better to think over what we are doing.
Please let us consolidate ourselves to further investigations to the truth. Don’t hurry ourselves on!
“Saho is the real Irob’s language”.
Thank you!
Woldemariam Bisrat
Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia
A Personal Reflection On The Ongoing Debate Concerning Our Language
By
Seyoum Berhe, USA
Let me first thank Abba Abraham and others who are striving to do their very best to lay the foundation for a lasting project of strengthening our language. They need our appreciation and support from all corners of the world. Without our unique language our uniqueness is almost negligible and we would simply be dissolved into the surrounding communities with no trace of its separate and unique heritage. Let me assure my readers that I do not claim to have an answer to this very important question. My intention is to simply encourage dialogue among all Irobs around the world and assist those who are closely working on this subject to get an opportunity to see all sides of the argument.
Agree or not, ethnology is the most dominant factor in the new Ethiopian political landscape. One could correctly argue that what has happened in the Irob region is contrary to the guiding principles of the current ruling party and political culture in Ethiopia; we do not teach our children in our own language; we do not administer our people in our own language; and there is no media, print or visual to advocate and educate them in our own language. Stating these facts, though, is not an indication that this author is blaming one group or another; we all have our share of the blame in not stepping up to our plates and provide both technical and financial support in enabling a better outcome. Before I forget why I started to write this piece though, let me get right to it and explain my position on the ongoing debate about our language.
As any major undertaking, the current plan of action on developing our language and the choice of which alphabet to use is complicated. But more importantly the decision to embark on the need of strengthening our language is so critical that it is make or brake situation. We the Irob people have two distinctive choices, and making either of these choices will have consequences that will have ramifications beyond our capacity to remedy or change once it is in motion:
1.We simply let our language die and finish the incorporation or what I call the “Tigrignization” that has been in motion in earnest. I have made a public complaint of the change of names of land into Tigrigna; Agaral-Coma into Agerelecoma, Mosi-Gade into Iddamosa, Makata into Meketa and so on. While it might not be my cup of tea, it is a choice and one that should be on table for what it is worth. This is a choice that does not need much work and time will simply finish the process. This is also the “safest” choice as there will not be any criticism and no one to suspect what we are “up to”, why we like to be so different. It also solves one major challenge in Tigrai; after few generations, we will no longer be the “minority”, if that is what is bothering some of our brothers and sisters.
2.The second choice is to respect and develop our own language and make sure that it is written so that documentation of our history and culture can be maintained and documented for the future generation. This is a difficult choice; it contains a major responsibility and needs deeper understanding of who we are. By forcing us into our soul search of our history, spirituality and more importantly our psychological make up, this will have a lasting impact on us and the future generations to come.
a.Spiritually, those of us who still remember priests in Allitena preaching in Tigrigna, a language neither they nor the people to whom they were preaching to, knew well might wake us up to the thought that God might even understand our language without an interpreter. When the creator is represented as having a specific language and color, we have simply become inferior to those who claim to have common language and color with God because who ever God looks like and whose ever language God speaks is obviously superior. There is a reason why white people have perfectly affected/influenced us making all the images of our creator white; and now we are supposed to think that God prefers Tigrigna over Saho? Wow; I am seriously worried.
b.Psychologically, the earlier generation who were told “seb Zesemo quanqua tezareb” need to get over the prejudice our people has gone through and now must start a healing process out of the linguistic inferiority complex by accepting their own language and starting to practice it. There is nothing worse than listening an Irob person with a heavy accent attempting to speak Tigrigna with his own relative who speaks a perfect Saho.
c.Historically, it is a crime to destroy a group of people out of existence, and destroying our language is simply the fastest method of destroying the Irob people. The only consolation to us this generation is that if we have not developed an alphabet to record our history, future generation will have no record to know when and who destroyed their heritage; only we would know who did it; ourselves. What a shame to take with us to ground.
Therefore, I have a very strong and unchangeable position as to the creation of and strengthening of Alphabet for our language. That is the easy position to take, as I believe that the overwhelming majority of our people would have taken the same position.
Now, to the difficult position of the strategies and planning of how, when and where the action should take place: Addressing the question of the name and using dialogue in similar to a “focus group” strategy is a correct in getting the best opinion. I am confident that groups consisted of all the possible generations and represented all levels of formally and informally educated groups.
1.Which Alphabet to use: I respectfully and strongly disagree with the opinion that we could use a Latin alphabet.
a.Our history indicates that we are descendants of the Axumites; part and parcel of the people who created and developed the Ge'ez alphabet. It is in our blood and crossing the ocean to find something better, is not something I am much attracted to. I am simply not interested into romanticizing colonialism and ultra westernization when we have one of the most historical and ancient civilization that is our own.
b.Developing our own language does not mean going into isolationism and separation. Choosing Latin over Ge’ez in an environment so totally immersed into the Ge’ez language and culture is simply suicidal.
c.On a practical side, Ge’ez is already part of our daily life with prayers, books and all other communication and we would not be starting anything drastic, but some simple adjustments. Ge’ez can at the least, provide an equal means of developing our language as that of Latin.
2.Which name is loved by the People: This is a very difficult choice and one that will put me on the opposite side of many of the people I admire and look up to. The issue can not be what our people like to call their language, but what is our language called. Allow me go a little deeper into this controversial element of our language:
a.Religion: This becomes entangled with our faith and might lead us a bit into confusion. I have been warned in the past about showing “too much love for Saho”, as it is, I was told it is “a language of Muslims”. Well, do I have a claim to this so called “Muslim language”? If my memory serves me correct, we used to hear “Sahoyta, Amharto kinni? Unless we are going into the “Gala” “Oromo” mentality; because people around us called us “Shahay”, in a derogatory manner and now we want to change (that was not our problem, but theirs, just as some of our Eritrean brothers keep calling anything bad “Agame”). In my humble understanding, the ethnic group is called Irob and our language is called Saho. This I believe is not a choice but a historical fact that we need to swallow with pride. Things like these should be allotted a lot of time and not be pushed into decision on a simple majority. Our beloved religious leaders should be very careful not to hastily advocate for elimination of the word “Saho” for fear of Islamic connotation.
b.Cultural: We understand that we are a fantastic bridge between our brothers on both sides; the Tigrigna speaking Habeshas and the Saho speaking Muslims. This is a very productive role and eliminating the word Saho will surely diminish our role as a cultural interveners and peace makers. The long and positive and sometimes difficult relationship we have had with our brothers of other Saho speakers is precious to simply throw it for the sake of “feeling” and based on some misunderstood current affairs. One never knows what will be popular tomorrow, only time will tell as how our larger neighborhood will evolve in the future. Any positive link we have should be maintained and strengthened and not severed for the sake of “feels good”.
c.Historical: Orally transmitted history tells us that we came to the land where we are now and that we integrated into the existing society there and adopted the Saho language as our own. It is abundantly clear that Summe did not come to Irob land speaking Saho; if that was the case, the children of his two brothers Haneke and Senbetay would today be speaking Saho, making us the most dominant group in the region; alas, they kept their Tigrigna language. Has the Saho language not served us well up to now? What challenges are we facing because of the word Saho? I therefore, sincerely believe that I am an Irob person who speaks Saho
3.Financial Contribution: Let alone something as deep and challenging project like this, even small projects take money and nothing can be achieved without financial support. I hope that each one of us all over the world will make a contribution towards such a blessed and meaningful project. We the Irob people are not very group or team oriented and I am afraid that the appeal needs to be addressed to each individual.
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