Arts and Social Sciences Journal

The Distinctive Features of Menzuma as a Genre of its Own and the Functions it Serve for the Muslim Community of Wollo: An Ethnographic Approach

Abstract

Hassen R

This is a study on manzuma; its attributes and roles for Wollo Muslim Community. The data collected was part of the six month participant observation for my PhD work entitled ‘Ethnography of Communication of the Amharic Speaking Muslim Community of Wollo’. The first section illustrates the features of manzuma which mark it as a distinctive genre of its own kind. The basic features of lexical set, script, content, accompanying instruments, rhyme and rhythm. The second section states about the different functions of manzuma. It explores the roles of manzuma in the speech community with reference to the situation, setting/scene and the participants. Menzuma is used for different purposes in Wollo. It is part of cultural, religious and artistic rituals and performances. It is a tool for prayer, religious chant, cultural music, historic narrative, medication and so on. The people of Wollo are accustomed to expressing their culture, history, love, and overall lives through poetry and music. Songs and Menzuma are typical lifestyles of the Wollo society.