Radar | Jun 24,2023
Jul 24 , 2021
By Kidist Yidnekachew
It is a universal thing for friends to use a secret language, or one assumed to be not understood by other people in the vicinity, when talking amongst themselves. But there are many instances where this has gone wrong and people were left either shocked or embarrassed.
That is what happened to a friend of mine last week. She was talking in one of the many languages in Ethiopia while on the phone in public transportation. She did not think that the people around her spoke it – poor lack of judgment on her part. She kept pouring her heart out; oblivious to her surroundings.
The minute she hung up the phone, all eyes and some angry faces were on her. She was surprised; she could not imagine what wrong she had done. Then, one person turned his face to her and spoke to her in the language she was speaking with the friend over the phone. Her face turned red.
I did not speak the language myself, thus I asked her what the other person said to her and she just replied, ”I'll tell you later."
I could see on her face that she was embarrassed. Later, when we got off the taxi, she told me what that the guy had said for her to never make the mistake of assuming that only she knew a certain language.
This is a very common phenomenon, and this was not the first time I have witnessed it firsthand. While hanging out with my husband in public, I hear people say things to him in Amharic. They assume he is unable to speak the language as he is white. When he replies in fluent Amharic, the shock and surprise on their faces are priceless.
Recently, my husband and I were shopping in a supermarket. A guy standing next to him was complaining about how high the cost of goods is getting. He said he was now forced to become a vegetarian because the price of meat has gone up. He is apparently living a sugar-free lifestyle and forced to skip a meal or two. He was at the supermarket to buy a specific kind of diaper and wipes for his children.
“These foreigners don’t even have any idea about how expensive things are here," he then turned to his friend and said. "They easily get everything they want in their country for a ridiculously cheap price and they never have to suffer a day in their lives.”
But, although not born in Ethiopia, my husband could relate and has his own opinions about Ethiopia’s inflation. He addressed the man in Amharic.
“Your mistake was to think that someone’s skin colour shields them from experiencing difficulties," he said. “I've lived in Ethiopia for close to 25 years and inflation has affected me and continues to affect me as much as it does you."
The guy was shocked. He cracked a smile and said, “I had no idea.”
This embarrassing mixup is not restricted to interactions between Ethiopians and non-nationals. Another time, a man was cracking jokes in one of the languages about an ethnic group in a gathering and he nearly got into a fight. Not only do we have no idea about other people’s struggles but we also exhibit poor judgement.
Language, ironically, is a means of communication and understanding between people. It should neither be used to stereotype others, nor as a tool for speaking about other people behind their backs. Many people have similar problems, it would be wrong to assume that it passes right by them. It is through the use of language that we can get closer to understanding one another, and come up with ways to work together and address them.
PUBLISHED ON
Jul 24,2021 [ VOL
22 , NO
1108]
Radar | Jun 24,2023
Commentaries | Jul 23,2022
Fortune News | Jun 01,2019
International Stories | Apr 07,2020
Fortune News | Feb 27,2021
Editorial | Dec 10,2018
Viewpoints | Jun 04,2022
My Opinion | Oct 02,2021
Fortune News | Jan 23,2021
Fortune News | Mar 14,2020
Photo Gallery | 96737 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 88921 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 67168 Views | Aug 14,2021
Commentaries | 65759 Views | Oct 02,2021
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
Apr 13 , 2024
In the hushed corridors of the legislative house on Lorenzo Te'azaz Road (Arat Kilo)...
Apr 6 , 2024
In a rather unsettling turn of events, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (C...
Mar 30 , 2024
Ethiopian authorities find themselves at a crossroads in the shadow of a global econo...
Apr 20 , 2024
Ethiopia's economic reform negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in their fourth round, taking place in Washington, D...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
An undercurrent of controversy surrounds the appointment of founding members of Amhara Bank after regulat...
An ambitious cooperative housing initiative designed to provide thousands with affordable homes is mired...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Ethiopia's juice manufacturers confront formidable economic challenges following the reclassification of...
Loading your updates...