Article Per Year (5 Year)
p-Index From 2021 - 2026
5.639
P-Index
This Author published in this journals
All Journal Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial Rowter Journal Matondang Journal Economit Journal Polit Journal LingLit Journal Lakhomi Journal
Belay Sitotaw Goshu
Department of Physics, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Published : 44 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 44 Documents
Search

 1   2   3   4   5 
Celestial Diglossia and the Moral Clock: Ethno Linguistic Encoding of Cosmology and Social Hierarchy in Ethiopian Life Cycle Ritual Discourse Muhammad Ridwan; Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Arifulhak Aceh
LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Linglit Journal: Scientific Journal of Linguistics and Literature, March
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Ethiopian life‑cycle rituals have been extensively documented, yet the specific linguistic mechanisms that encode cosmology and social hierarchy remain undertheorised. Existing studies treat language as a transparent medium rather than a constitutive force. This article introduces two novel concepts, celestial diglossia (stratified access to astronomical registers) and the moral clock (celestial events that license ritual speech)—to explain how Oromo, Amhara, and Gedeo ritual discourse re‑classifies initiates across birth, initiation, marriage, and death. Twelve months of participant observation, 85 interviews with ritual specialists (Hayyu, Qallu, priests, Zār leaders), and audio‑recorded speech events (marriage negotiations, Dhibaayyuu vows, Zār healing sessions) were analysed using discourse analysis and ethnographic semantics. Celestial diglossia parallels the Ge‛ez‑Amharic split, creating an epistemic hierarchy where priests control constellation names (e.g., Bakkalcha/Pleiades) and heliacal calculations. The moral clock exemplified by Bakkalcha’s rising—periodically licenses Mekdes (loyal reproach), transforming taboo direct criticism into a “face gift.” This temporary inversion reinforces rather than subverts hierarchy. In Gadaa transitions, the new Abbaa Gadaa cannot pronounce judgement formulas until Bakkalcha’s first sighting. Eclipses suspend all ritual speech, proving the clock’s regulatory coherence. Ethiopian ritual discourse accomplishes a triple transformation (biological→social→cosmic) through linguistic encoding, not mere symbolism. Age‑grade progression is mapped directly onto observable celestial events. Linguistic anthropology must integrate astronomical time as a performative dimension. Future research should examine southern Ethiopian groups (Sidama, Konso) and the impact of Orthodox Christianity on contemporary ritual registers.
The Cultural Pragmatics of Silence: A Cross Cultural Corpus and Experimental Study of Unfilled Pauses in High vs. Low Context Societies Muhammad Ridwan; Belay Sitotaw Goshu
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, March
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Silence in conversation is a pragmatic resource whose interpretation varies across cultures. Hall’s (1976) high‑context (HC) versus low‑context (LC) framework predicts that HC cultures value silence as respectful and reflective, whereas LC cultures perceive it as awkward or evasive. Empirical evidence linking unfilled pause duration to Hall’s dimension remains scarce. This study examined cross‑cultural differences in the production and interpretation of unfilled pauses. We tested whether HC speakers produce longer, more frequent pauses and whether listeners from HC versus LC cultures differentially rate willingness, politeness, and competence as a function of pause length. Phase 1 analysed naturalistic corpora (Japanese, Egyptian Arabic, German, American English; N = 400 conversations). Phase 2 used a controlled experiment (N = 480) with four pause durations (0.2–2.5 s) across two speech acts. HC speakers produced pauses nearly twice as long and frequent as LC speakers. Experimentally, LC listeners showed a steep decline in willingness ratings with longer pauses (52% drop), while HC listeners showed only a shallow decline (15%). A significant interaction emerged for politeness: longer pauses increased politeness for HC listeners but decreased it for LC listeners. Silence operates as a culturally variable pragmatic marker, supporting Hall’s framework and challenging Universalist accounts. Intercultural training should address pause‑norm differences; language assessment should include pragmatic competence regarding unfilled pauses.
Spatial Frames of Reference and Non Digital Way-finding: A Longitudinal Study of Cultural Persistence in Namibian and Inuit Communities Muhammad Ridwan; Belay Sitotaw Goshu
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 7 No 2 (2026): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, June
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

This longitudinal study (2005–2025) examined cultural persistence in spatial frames of reference (FoRs) and non‑digital wayfinding among the ≠Akhoe Haiǁom of Namibia (n = 84) and Inuit of Igloolik, Nunavut (n = 72). Across three waves, absolute (geocentric) FoRs remained predominant in both communities, with no significant population‑level decline Haiǁom: 78 % to 74 %; Inuit: 72 % to 69 % (both p  > 0.05). However, significant generational differences emerged: younger participants (≤ 30 years) showed lower absolute FoR preference than older adults (≥ 50 years) in both groups (Haiǁom: 69 % vs. 82 %; Inuit: 62 % vs. 77 %; β = 0.42 and 0.39, respectively, p < 0.01). Importantly, the generational gap did not widen over time (no wave × cohort interaction). Self‑reported GPS use rose dramatically (Haiǁom: 4 % to 41 %; Inuit: 12 % to 67  %), yet increased GPS use was not associated with diminished wayfinding accuracy when controlling for age (β = 0.07, 95 % CI [–0.03, 0.17], p = 0.16). Qualitative data revealed that participants actively domesticated GPS as a supplemental tool, preserving geocentric strategies for primary orientation. These findings support a model of adaptive persistence, wherein core orienting schemas resist rapid transformation while peripheral strategies undergo selective innovation. We conclude that culturally embedded FoRs constitute a resilient cognitive resource, with implications for theories of cultural cognition, indigenous knowledge preservation, and the design of culturally responsive navigation technologies.
The Role of Social Media in Marital Dissolution in Ethiopia: Impacts and Implications Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Melaku Masresha Woldeamanueal; Anantasha Titisania Rimadewi
Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial Vol 13 No 2 (2026): Konfrontasi, June
Publisher : Budapest International Research and Critics University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Ethiopia’s high marital dissolution rate (45% within 30 years) is exacerbated by social media’s growing influence, with 42.2 million internet users by 2023. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp contribute to marital conflicts, amplified by cultural and gender norms. This study investigated social media’s role in marital problems in Ethiopia, examining platforms, conflict types, cultural influences, urban-rural differences, and intervention feasibility to inform evidence-based solutions. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, involving 400 survey respondents (50% male, 50% female; 200 urban, 200 rural) and 20 semi-structured interviews (10 urban, 10 rural; 50% female). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 27) with chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis with NVivo. Social media, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, drives 68% of reported marital conflicts, including jealousy (51%), infidelity suspicions (37%), and communication breakdowns (32%). Urban couples face higher conflict prevalence (75%) than rural ones (61%) due to greater platform access. Patriarchal and collectivist norms amplify conflicts, with women reporting more jealousy. Digital literacy (M=4.12) and counseling (M=3.98) were rated highly effective interventions. Social media significantly undermines marital stability in Ethiopia, with urban areas and women most affected. Cultural norms exacerbate conflicts, but digital literacy and counseling offer viable mitigation strategies. Implement urban-focused digital literacy programs, gender-sensitive counseling, and community-based workshops, supported by enhanced content moderation in local languages.
Co-Authors Anantasha Titisania Rimadewi Arifulhak Aceh Bikila Merga Deresa Duol Dak Maluel Kassahun Desealegn Asfaw Melaku Masresha Woldeamanueal Muhammad Ridwan Muhammad Ridwan Muhammad Ridwan Nigussie Mamushet Degeif Ramlan Solomon Zerihun Wan Nurul Atikah