Ethiopia+Culture

Ethiopia Culture The three bands are arranged horizontally to one another. The three colors, green, yellow and red, are part of the Pan-African colors. The green color in the flag of Ethiopia stands for the land of Ethiopia.Yellow is the color of peace and love, while red symbolizes strength. The Ethiopia Flag also has a yellow pentagram centered on the three bands. The pentagram has yellow rays emanating from each of the angles. The yellow pentagon mounted on a blue disk is the National Coat of Arms for Ethiopia Ethiopia, like many other African countries, is a multi-ethnic state. Many distinctions have been blurred by intermarriage over the years but many also remain. The differences may be observed in the number of languages spoken - an astonishing 83, falling into four main language groups: Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilo-Saharan. There are 200 different dialects. The Semitic languages of Ethiopia are related to both Hebrew and Arabic, and derive from Ge'ez, the ecclesiastical language. The principle Semitic language spoken in the north-western and central part of the country is Amharic, which is also the official language of the modern state. Other main languages are Tigrigna, Guraginya, Adarinya, Afan Oromo, Somalinya, Sidaminya, Afarinya, Gumuz, Berta and Anuak.
 * History || Geography || Culture  || Economics  || Politics  || Class Activities || Resources ||
 * Ethiopia Flag-**
 * Languages Spoken**
 * Languages Spoken**

All of the following information pertaining to education came from: [] Ethiopia faces many historical, cultural, social and political obstacles that have restricted progress in Education for many centuries. According to UNESCO reviews, most people in Ethiopia feel that work is more important than education, so they start at a very early age with little to no education. Children in rural areas are less likely to go to school than children in urban areas. Though gradually improving, most rural families cannot afford to send their children to school because parents believe that while their children are in school they cannot contribute to the household chores and income. Social awareness that education is important is something that Ethiopia lacks but has improved gradually. There is a need to change the importance of education in the country's social structure, and children should be encouraged and required to attend school and become educated. Corporal punishment is also an issue that has affected progress for centuries. The society of Ethiopia expects teachers and parents to use corporal punishment to maintain order and discipline. Most believe that through punishing children for bad habits they in turn learn good ones. Also since the mid-1970s there have been a drastic loss of professionals who leave the country, mostly for economical reasons. Many educated Ethiopians seek higher salaries in foreign countries thus many of those who manage to finish higher education immigrate creating endless shortage of qualified personals and professionals in every sector of the country. As of 2006, there are more Ethiopia-trained doctors living in Chicago than in the entire country. Ethiopia currently has a literacy rate of 42.7% Ethiopia is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country. Religion is a major influence in Ethiopian life. Nearly half the population belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but there is a also large Muslim population. Others adhere to an ancient form of Judaism. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is proud of its origins. The country embraced Christianity in the 4th century, long before Europe. The feast of the Epiphany ("Timkat") is the largest festival of the year. The Orthodox Church dominates the political, cultural, and social life of the population. It was the official religion of the imperial court and of the establishment until Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974.Muslims are important in the business community. They tend to live in the eastern, southern, and western lowlands, although there are considerable numbers in Addis Ababa.
 * Education**
 * Religion**

All of the following information pertaining to scarification came from: [] Scarification, as a cultural activity, is widely performed across Africa. In essence, it is the practice of incising the skin with a sharp instrument,(such as a knife, glass, stone, or coconut shell) in such a way as to control the shape of the scar tissue on various parts of the body.Cicatrisation is a special form of scarification, whereby a gash is made in the skin with a sharp instrument, and irritation of the skin caused byapplying caustic plant juices forms permanent blisters. Dark pigments such as ground charcoal or gunpowder are sometimes rubbed into thewound to provide emphasis. Scarification is a long and painful process, and a permanent modification of the body, transmitting complex messages about identity andsocial status. Permanent body markings emphasise fixed social, political and religious roles. Facial scarification in West Africa is used foridentification of ethnic groups, families, individuals, but also to express personal beauty. It is also performed on girls to mark stages of the life process, such as puberty, marriage etc. They can assist in making them more attractive to men, as the scars are regarded as appealing totouch as well as to look at, but also as testimony that women will be able to withstand the pain of childbirth.
 * Scarification**

A Mursi woman from the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia is adorned with face markings and an ornamental clay lip plate, considered signs of beauty among her people. Ethiopians are justifiably proud of the range of their traditional costumes. The most obvious identification of the different groups is in the jewellery, the hair styles and the embroidery of the dresses. The women of Amhara and Tigray wear dozens of plaits //(sheruba),// tightly braided to the head and billowing out at the shoulders. The women of Harar part their hair in the middle and make a bun behind each ear. Hamer, Geleb, Bume and Karo men form a ridge of plaited hair and clay to hold their feathered headwear in place. Arsi women have fringes and short, bobbed hair. Bale girls have the same, but cover it with a black headcloth, while young children often have their heads shaved. Jewellery in silver and gold is worn by both Muslims and Christians, often with amber or glass beads incorporated. Heavy brass, copper and ivory bracelets and anklets are also worn. Ethiopia also has a rich tradition of both secular and religious music, singing and dancing, and these together constitute an important part of Ethiopian cultural life. Singing accompanies many agricultural activities, as well as religious festivals and ceremonies surrounding life's milestones - birth, marriage and death. The extended family remains the focus of the social system. It includes relatives on both sides of the family as well as close friends. Quite often the husband’s parents will live with the nuclear family when they get older and can no longer care for themselves. When people marry, they join their families, thus ensuring that there will always be a group to turn to in times of need. Individuals achieve recognition or social standing through their extended family. A family's honor is influenced by the actions of its members. Family needs are put before all other obligations, including business.
 * Body Markings -**
 * Dress**
 * Music **
 * Family**

Etiquette and Customs in Ethiopia
Fortunately for the Ethiopian Jews ( and all Ethiopians) depends on Tef Ingera, as a staple of their diet. Tef is nutritional miracle food. It contains two to three times the iron of wheat or barley. The calcium, potassium and other essential minerals are also many times what would be found in an equal amount of other grains. Tef has 14% protein, 3% fat and 81% complex carbohydrate. Tef is the only grain to have symbiotic yeast. Like grapes, the yeast is on the grain so no yeast is added in the preparation of ingera. Tef is milled to flour and made into batter. the batter is allowed to sit so the yeast can become active. When the batter is ready it is poured on a large flat oven and allowed to cook. This process is much harder than it sounds and it is recommended buying from an Ethiopian Market or Restaurant in your area. Make sure it is Tef Ingera not a substitute Western grains. ||
 * Meeting Etiquette**
 * Ethiopian greetings are courteous and somewhat formal.
 * The most common form of greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact.
 * The handshake is generally much lighter than in Western cultures.
 * After a close personal relationship has been established people of the same sex may kiss three times on the cheeks.
 * Across genders, men should wait to see if a woman extends her hand.
 * Greetings should never be rushed. Take time to inquire about the person’s family, health, job, etc.
 * People are addressed with their honorific title and their first name.
 * “Ato", "Woizero", and "Woizrity" are used to address a man, married woman, and unmarried woman respectively.
 * Elders should be greeted first.
 * It is customary to bow when introduced to someone who is obviously older or has a more senior position. Children will often be seen doing so.
 * Gift Giving Etiquette**
 * Gifts may be given to celebrate events of significance or religious occasions.
 * Since Ethiopia is an extremely poor country, expensive gifts are not the norm.
 * In fact, giving a gift that is too expensive may be viewed negatively. It may be seen as an attempt to garner influence or it may embarrass the recipient as they will not be able to match it in kind.
 * If you are invited to an Ethiopian’s home, bring pastries, fruit, or flowers to the host.
 * A small gift for the children is always appreciated.
 * Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks. Most Muslims and Amharic people do not.
 * Gifts are not opened when received.
 * Gifts are given with two hands or the right hand only; never the left hand.
 * Food**
 * || **INJERA** ||  ||
 * Ingera is made from a cereal grain that is unique known as Tef. Though t'efs is unique to Ethiopia it is diverse in color and habitat. Tef is a member of the grass genus Eragrostis or lovegrass. T'ef will grow in many areas it is not an easy crop to farm. One problem in particular is that the weight of the grain bends the stem to the ground.
 * Ingera is made from a cereal grain that is unique known as Tef. Though t'efs is unique to Ethiopia it is diverse in color and habitat. Tef is a member of the grass genus Eragrostis or lovegrass. T'ef will grow in many areas it is not an easy crop to farm. One problem in particular is that the weight of the grain bends the stem to the ground.
 * Dining Etiquette**
 * Ethiopians are hospitable and like to entertain friends in their homes.
 * An invitation to a private home should be considered an honor.
 * Punctuality is not strictly adhered to although considerable lateness is also unacceptable.
 * You may have to remove your shoes at the door.
 * Dress well.
 * Shake hands with each guest individually.
 * A woman should offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
 * You will always be offered a cup of coffee. It is considered impolite to refuse.
 * Ethiopians are relatively formal and believe table manners are a sign of respect.
 * Do not presume that because food is eaten with the hands, there is a lack of decorum.
 * Expect a small earthenware or metal jug to be brought to the table before the meal is served. Extend your hands over the basin while water is poured over them.
 * Only use the right hand for eating.
 * Hierarchy dictates that the eldest person is the first to take food from the communal plate.
 * Guests are often served tasty morsels by another guest in a process called "gursa". Using his hands, the person places the morsel in the other person’s mouth. Since this is done out of respect, it is a good idea to smile and accept the offering.
 * Expect to be urged to take more food. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of hospitality.
 * The meal ends with ritual hand-washing and coffee.
 * Coffee Drinking**
 * The Kaffa province in Ethiopia is renowned for its coffee.
 * Coffee is a national drink and its drinking is a ritualized process that generally takes at least an hour.
 * If invited for a formal coffee you may be seated on pillows or grass and flower-strewn floor with frankincense burning in the background.
 * A woman or young boy enters the room to wash and roast the beans over charcoal.
 * The roasted beans are then hand-ground and added to boiling water.
 * Sugar is put into small cups without handles and the water/coffee mixture is added.
 * Inhale the aroma of the coffee before sipping.
 * The first round (called "awol") is served, starting with the eldest.
 * When the first cup is finished, the "jebena" (coffee pot) is refilled with water.
 * The second round (called "tona") is then served. It is weaker than the first since the same ground beans are used.
 * The third round (called "baraka") is served after boiling water is again added to the jebena.
 * Always sip the coffee slowly.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

 * Meeting Etiquette**
 * Greetings are formal and courteous.
 * Handshakes are somewhat prolonged and not especially firm.
 * They are always combined with strong, direct eye contact.
 * There is generally no touching between the sexes; however, if a foreign businesswoman extends her hand, a cosmopolitan Ethiopian may accept it to avoid causing her offense.
 * Never rush greeting; enquire about people’s families, health and work.
 * Government officials may be addressed as "Excellency" without using their name.
 * Wait to be invited before moving to a first name basis without the honorific title.
 * Business cards are given without formal ritual.
 * Present and receive business cards with the right hand only or with both hands.

Ethiopians can be very sensitive when it comes to communication. Since they have only recently begun working with foreigners in business situations they are still getting used to new ways of doing business and communicating. As a general rule, they are humble and respect that quality in others. They generally speak in soft tones. Loud voices are seen as too aggressive. Ethiopians pride themselves on their eloquent speaking style and expect others to speak clearly and use metaphor, allusion, and witty innuendos. They often use exaggerated phrases to emphasize a point. As a rule, Ethiopians tend to be non-confrontational and offer what they believe is the expected response rather than say something that might embarrass another. Honor and dignity are crucial to Ethiopians and they will go out of their way to keep from doing something that could bring shame to another person. Therefore, it is important to treat your Ethiopian business colleagues with utmost professionalism and never do anything that would make them lose dignity and respect. Meeting schedules are not very rigid in Ethiopia. There may be an agenda, although it is not part of the local culture. If one is used, it functions as a guideline for the discussion and acts as a springboard to other related business topics. Since relationships are extremely important, meetings start with extended social pleasantries. You will be offered tea or coffee and will be expected to ask questions about the other person and respond to questions about yourself. Meetings seldom have a scheduled ending time since it is considered more important to complete the meeting satisfactorily than be slavishly tied to the clock. The meeting will end when everyone has had their say and the most senior Ethiopians decide that there is nothing left to be discussed. Performing favors indicates friendship. Therefore, Ethiopians feel obliged to do something if asked by a friend. Since they generally only conduct business with people they consider friends, they have difficulty saying "no" to requests from business associates. This does not indicate that they will do what they have agreed to do, however.
 * Communication Style**
 * Business Meetings**

All of the previously viewed information on this page excluding the segments pertaining to education and scarification came from: []