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Why Ethiopians Learn & Love Russian—Poet Explains on Russian Language Day

17:13, 6 June 2025

Elizaveta Roschina

Writer/Editor

Russian Language Day is observed annually on June 6 — the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s most celebrated writer and poet, who traced his heritage to Ethiopia.

Sputnik

Ethiopia has accepted the Russian language because it came to the East African country out of love — not by order, Ethiopian poet and playwright Ayalneh Mulatu stated to Sputnik Africa on the occasion of Russian Language Day.

"The Russian language was introduced to Ethiopia out of love, not by order or by government support or by being incorporated into the education system as a foreign language," said Mulatu, who is also a translator of Russian poet and writer Alexander Pushkin.

Ethiopia accepted this language "on its own accord, by its own power," the Ethiopian poet emphasized.

What makes Russian special for Ethiopians, according to the speaker?

It is a language free from colonial influence — unlike English and French, the playwright pointed out.

"When the Russian language was introduced to Ethiopia, it brought many things with it. One is that the country was under a feudal system during the feudal era. This system was often influenced by foreign governments or languages, especially English and French speakers, who were considered part of this system and who caused undue problems for the society. So the Russian language is the one that is free from all this."

Learning Russian opens doors to free education in Russia — many graduates have returned to Africa as leaders in medicine, literature, film, politics, and more, he noted.

"If you speak this [Russian] language, take the exam in this language, and pass this exam, you will get a scholarship or free education opportunity in Russia. I think, getting a free education in Russia is one of the biggest attractions, and this is one of the things that has instilled a love for the language in the students."

Russia has never fought for colonialism — quite the opposite, Mulatu recalled.

"In history, Russia has not lifted its weapons for colonialism, but in fact, it has fought the colonialists and stood for independence. Ethiopian youth also know that. And I think that this itself is one of the reasons to learn the Russian language and learn about Russia."