ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 8, Issue 1, pp: (1-9), Month: January - March 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Linguistic Evolution of Ethiopic Language: A Comparative Discussion 1
Gebremeskel Hagos Gebremedhin, 2Abera Asefa Mebrahtu 1
2 1
Nankai University, College of Software Engineering, China Addis Ababa University, College of Language and Culture, Ethiopia
Email: hagosgebrem@gmail.com, 2Email: asefamebrahtu@gmail.com
Abstract: This paper mainly focused on the comparative linguistics evolution of Ethiopic Semitic languages. The historical document analysis and computerized stem prove is done to measure the reliability of the linguistic evolution Sabean to Ge’ez and the current languages Tigrigna and Amharic. Ge’ez evolved the Sabean via adding vowels for sounding purpose. The alphabets of Ge’ez were adopted by the Tigrigna and Amharic through the addition of eight and seven character alphabets respectively. i.e. Tigrigna and Amharic uses some alphabets expect “Que”. The historical flow and the stem word testing describes the origin of both the current languages is Ge’ez. Writing system and numbering are the artistic calligraphy. The main writing material is BIRANA. Generally, Ethiopic language is the unique language in the world originated from the Aksumawit Kingdom with some additional alphabets.
1. INTRODUCTION Language is one of the fundamental aspects of human behavior, and it constitutes crucial components of our lives. It is also the best mechanism through which information and knowledge can be kept for a long period and passed on from generation to generation. In its written form, it serves as a means of recording information and knowledge on a long term basis and transmitting what it records from one generation to the next. In its spoken form, it serves as a means of coordinating our day to day life with others (Allen, 1995). Linguistics can be defined as the study of nature of the languages. Natural language is a set of conventions used by human beings for communication purposes (Akmajian, 1995). Language expressing the culture of the society through characteristics, values, beliefs, religion, attitudes, customs and the way of living that pertain a given group of people who share a common ancestral origin. It is the behavior of a certain group that are using it. Every ethnic group has its own distinct cultural language though some cultures may be shared by different ethnic groups. Based to the definition both countries china and Ethiopia are a lot of diversified language development officially registered and known by the governments. Here we would like to introduce the two countries historical development of their language is based on ethnic group‟s culture, tradition, beliefs and customs. At the end we will try to list out the comparison of Ethiopian language groups with Chinese Language groups and dialects. Ethiopia and China have unique language scripts. With regard to the status of our languages, the focus of this paper is on linguistic evolution of the language called "Fidel” and the script used. To do so, there might have to refer to linguistics and literature as well. Therefore, our study will be as follows: First, it shall touch upon issues that pertain to linguistics and writing. It will do so because these issues will help to build the case for later discussions. Then it will discussed about the origins and evolution of writing system. The general objective of this study is a comparative discussion of the Ethiopian languages through their linguistic evolution. To achieve the objective, the following research questions will be addressed:
Which is the father of Ethiopic? The origin of Ethiopic language? What is the linguistic evolution of language property?
Page | 1 Research Publish Journals