Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of Ha: saʔana Marriage Practice in Jimma Zone: The Case of Oromo Community in Tiro-Afeta Woreda

Abstract

This Thesis aims to analyze linguistic and cultural aspect of’’ Haasa’anna”[ha: saʔana] marriage practice in Jimma Zone the case of Tiro-Afeta Woreda Oromo community. There are various forms of marriage practices, in Tiro-Afeta– woreda suchas ‘‘Haasa’anna’’b utii’’ [buti:],‘Dhaala’’ [da:la], ‘‘Raraa’’[ rɑrɑ: ], ‘‘Aseenna’’ [ɔɑseːnnɑ], and‘ ‘Fedhii’’ [fedi:], However, the study has mainly focused on Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of ‘‘Haasa’anna’’ marriage practice in Tiro – Afeta Woreda Oromo Community. ‘‘Haasa’anna’’ marriage has a strong consideration and it is recognized as the best mode of marriage practice in the community. Haasa’anna marriage is the arrangement of marriage which was established by the families of the future spouses.Therefore,ha: saʔanamarriage is the most lovable type of marriage in the society and widely accepted type of marriage. The researcher developed qualitative research method and used descriptive method in order to analyze the data collected.Besides, the study employed both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected through qualitative strategies such as interview, and focus group discussion whereas, the secondary data were collected from published, unpublished materials and articles at the reach of the researcher. The data were gathered from 15 participants who have the expertise of indigenous culture and more experienced elders in marriage practices. Haasa’anna [ha: saʔana] marriage has great acceptance among the community of Tiro – Afeta Woreda. Haasa’anna marriage was practiced first by the interest of the two families of the future spouses.The results of the study indicated that Haasa’anna[ha:saʔana] marriage has certain symbols like ring, Amartii, different gifts, Kennaa, cultural clothes and songs. Furthermore, the bride and the groom are not related by blood. Then the groom’s family makes contact with the bride’s family through a mediator. After receiving the mediator and hearing that he has to say, the girl’s parents request the boy’s family to carry out a set of situations that should be fulfilled before the next meeting. The set of data from the two families were gathered at a convenient time for further negotiations. Once they agree, the couple gets engaged (betrothal), the parents then set a wedding expense. This form of marriage is the common and widely popular type of marriage in the study community.