Amharic is one of the numerous indigenous languages used in Ethiopia. The language has its roots from an ancient language called Ge'ez (ግዕዝ). Amharic being a phonetic language represents each sound with distinct alphabets through a writing system named Fidel (ፊደል). Apparently, the number of alphabets could be overwhelming for beginners who are interested to learn the language.
By analyzing the underlying geometries, overall shapes, and stroke-patters used to construct Amharic alphabets, this book adopts shape-based categories and the author introduced three distinct sets named as Rainbow, Sun, and Cross groups. New and creative educational approaches are inevitable to make the learning experience more fun and playful.
A traditional Ethiopian guessing game (Enqoqlish) is used as a medium to enhance the imagination of readers and help them easily memorize the shapes of the alphabets. In the game, two characters Amu and Bemnu, take turns thoroughly describing the features and show shapes of the alphabets through body signs without telling the actual name of the letters. The other participant guesses what letter best fits the descriptions. Once the letter is identified, families of the alphabet are discussed with illustrations along with sample words that start with the Fidel. Such exercise helps readers to establish visual relationships among the alphabets and with other familiar objects from their surroundings. To better assist readers, and If you are learning Amharic as a second language, written pronunciations, and intonations of each alphabet and sample words are included using the English alphabets.
Snippets of Ethiopian historic heritages are included as illustrations to instigate curiosities in readers about the fact that Ethiopia is actually a country with remarkable historic footprints. The book series can be used as a teaching guide and educational reference for parents and educators.
Enjoy the book and have fun in learning and teaching Amharic Alphabets!
Abate, Mesfin Sintayehu: - The author received a BSc degree in architecture and urban planning from Addis Ababa University. He then studied MSc at KU Leuven University in Belgium and MSIT in software development at APU University in Virginia, USA. While living in Ethiopia, he involved in numerous private and government-owned design projects. Following his passion for teaching, he served at Adama and Addis Ababa universities as a lecturer. Currently, the author lives with his wife and three kids in Maryland, USA, and works as a senior technology specialist for a government institution. He also works as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. He actively volunteers in multiple ongoing efforts geared towards empowering minority communities in the DMV area. Especially, targeting on introducing the community to high demand opportunities in the technology field and educating children about Ethiopian history and Amharic language. As a parent of three children born in the US, he witnessed the shortage and need for more fun and enjoyable ways of educating the next generation about Ethiopian languages, cultural values, and history. This book is a result of a continuing series of projects to fill this gap.
