AFRI4001
LING3003
ADDIS ABABA
Visit to Addis Ababa University
Department of Linguistics
Thank you everyone!
Department of Linguistics
After a warm welcome given at the Department of Linguistics, Addis Ababa University, we all geared ourselves up to carrry out more on-field research for our specific projects. Teaming up with enthusiastic Ethiopian students was so much fun. This allowed more intensive investigations to take place efficiently and effectively. Various departments on campus, including the Department of Linguistics and the Center for African and Oriental Studies, provided assistance to us. We all benefitted from the very generous support from the faculty and students. The most important part, after all, was the bonding we forged during the visit. We definitely look forward to having another educational trip in the future as the connection goes on.
Visit to Chinese Embassy
Meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan
Meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan
The souvenir given by Ambassador La to each of us
Meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan
We had the pleasure of meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan. After a brief tour in the Chinese embassy, several issues revolving around Ethiopia-China relation was discussed. We had deepened our understanding of the exchanges going on in Ethiopia, including the new potentials under "One Belt, One Road", educational activities under the Confucius Institutes, and economic cooperation in general. We were very thankful to Ambassador La for his time in receiving us.
Visit to Ethiopian Airlines
The first flight ever of Ethiopian Airlines, which was to Cairo
Learning about Ethiopian Airlines and the structures inside the HQ
Thank you for the souvenirs!
The first flight ever of Ethiopian Airlines, which was to Cairo
Visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia
Main entrance
The Olmec head - the gift from Mexico to Ethiopia
"African Heritage" by Afewerk Tekle
Main entrance
In the Paleontology and pre-history section, it was exciting to witness the preserved skeleton of "Lucy" - one of the most well-known hominids. A very detailed introduction was also given to explain the methodology of carrying out archaeological research in several historical towns in Ethiopia. In the modern art section, we had the chance to understand how artwork became an expression of politics, espeically for the artists working under the strongly suppresive military regime, the Derg.
After visiting the museum, our curiorsity was deeply enhanced by peeping into the sophisticated culture and civilization in Ethiopia. An important lesson was highlighted by Dr. Tesfaye that "there is more story to tell in the story. It never ends." What made history complicated and yet fascinating, was again the nuances in each historical event. Varying according to different perspectives, multiple intepretations could be possible.
Visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral was constructed in the era of Emperor Haile Selassie. We were led to identify the trait in the architectural style, which combined Russian, Armenian and Vatican style in different parts. By visiting the interior, much more about the Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices were illustrated in detail. Having heard the stories and meanings behind the glass paintings, we began to get ready for the immersion into Ethiopian culture.
The churchyard houses memorial statues of the important contributors to the country. For instance, the Ethiopian music legend Tilahun Gessesse, and the Oromia National Regional State President Alemayehu Atomssa Mijena. On top of the sacred functions, we also found students scattered across the church area, who were enjoying the chat with teachers, and practising what they had just learnt. Occupying an important place in many Ethiopians' hearts, the church further provided an ideal setting for contemplation and meditation.