The Academy of Ethiopian Languages and Cultures at Addis Ababa University is embarking on a project to create a comprehensive language description atlas, ENA state media outlet reported.
This ambitious initiative will map out the unique interactions and characteristics of Ethiopia’s numerous languages, celebrating the country's linguistic diversity.
“Language plays a pivotal role in fostering harmonious coexistence, [...] it is the adhesive that binds a society together,” Yohannes Adgeh, Director of the Academy, said, highlighting the societal importance of this project, as cited by the report.
The project is set to document indigenous knowledge, customs, and cultural nuances embedded in Ethiopia's languages, helping preserve the vast linguistic heritage for future generations.
“Embedded within languages are distinct thoughts, philosophies, customs, and indigenous knowledge... a country with a multitude of cultures is more captivating,” Adgeh was quoted as saying.
The Academy is working closely with the House of Federation (the upper house of the Ethiopian parliament) to develop the atlas. With lessons drawn from countries like India, Nigeria, and China, the project aspires to demonstrate how linguistic diversity can be harnessed for economic and cultural growth, the report said.