Culture & Etiquette

1. Sirna Gadaa

   The Gadaa system (traditional Oromo social and political system)

   Usage

   The traditional Oromo social, political and legal system. Often written simply Gadaa.

   Grammar Note

   Sirna means a system or order, or a ceremony. Gadaa is a proper name; the two nouns are simply placed side by side to mean the Gadaa system.

2. Abbaa Gadaa

   Abbaa Gadaa (leader in the Gadaa system)

   Usage

   The leader in the Gadaa system. At Irreecha an Abbaa Gadaa takes part in the procession. The dictionary glosses it as president.

   Grammar Note

   Abbaa means father, but in the form abbaa X it names the person in charge of X.

3. Waaqeffannaa

   Waaqeffannaa (traditional Oromo religion)

   Usage

   The traditional Oromo religion. Irreecha is its thanksgiving festival.

4. Aadaa Oromoo

   Oromo culture

   Usage

   Aadaa means culture or custom; the people name Oromoo follows it.

   Grammar Note

   The modifier follows the noun: aadaa Oromoo is Oromo culture.

5. Aadaa Oromoo bareedaa dha.

   Oromo culture is beautiful.

   Usage

   A short compliment to local people. Each word is attested, but the sentence itself is built from attested parts.

   Grammar Note

   The adjective is followed by the copula dha (bareedaa dha). Subject comes first, predicate last.

6. Afaan Oromoo

   Oromo language

   Usage

   The name of the language itself. Afaan means mouth or language. Use Afaan Oromoo as the name of the language.

   Grammar Note

   Afaan plus a people name gives the name of the language.

7. Ateetee

   Ateetee (women's ritual and festival)

   Usage

   A festival and ritual carried out mainly by women, linked to fertility and offspring. The dictionary glosses it as a women's ritual; it is held once a year.

8. Kun maal jedhama?

   What is this called?

   Usage

   Point at a dish, festival or object to ask its name.

   Grammar Note

   Jedhama is the passive of jechuu (to say), meaning is called. The question word maal stands right before the verb. This sentence is composed from verified words with regular grammar; it is not copied from a source sentence. A native check is advisable.

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