Linguistic and Cultural Analysis of Traditional Marriage Practice among the Shinasha Community: The Case of Bullen Woreda

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to describe the semantic and cultural analysis of traditional marriage practice among the Shinasha community, Bullen Woreda. The study attempts to identify the types of traditional marriage practices among the Shinasha community, to identify the cultural values, norms, customs of the different types of marriage practices among the Shinasha community as well as to explore the semantic analysis of the traditional marriage practices among the Shinasha community. The data were collected from elders, women and youths through three data gathering techniques: in-depth interview, focused group discussion and non-participant observation. This study was conducted by using a descriptive qualitative research design. The study reveals that Widaa, Tsitsa, Biqa, Natta and Jiya were type of distinctive marriage practices that have their own processes and conducted in the community. The study also found that Biqa is the marriage type literally called abduction which is performed by force fully. But Tsitsa is a form of marriage conducted some time by the consent of both couples. Natta, on the other hand, is a form of marriage conducted between a woman and the brother of deceased husband; whereas, Widaa is a form of marriage conducted between the consent of both couple families. Finally, Jiya is indigenous marriage practices among the Shinasha community that conducted by the full preparation of the beyond traveling to the girl’s parents house by holding leaf and Jiya with age mates. This study also shows that the traditional marriage practices of the Shinasha community has its literal meanings that is connected to the linguistic context, and has its social meanings, which is specifically connected to socio-cultural contexts. Finally, possible recommendation were given to the concerned. This study initiates a similar researcher to study other semantic types of meanings on the Shinasha community marriage practices. It would be better if concerned bodies participate on the marriage ceremonies of the Shinasha community like marriage ceremonies and record and document the marriage practices to the next generation.