Why the Global Academy Is Turning to Ge’ez
For over a century, the realm of “classical studies” was predominantly defined by ancient Greece and Rome, establishing Latin and Greek as the cornerstones of Western humanities. While other ancient traditions held importance, they were often relegated to a peripheral status. This narrow definition is now undergoing a profound transformation. A significant classical reorientation towards Africa is taking hold, with Ge’ez (Classical Ethiopic), the liturgical and literary language of Ethiopia and Eritrea, at its forefront. With a rich written tradition that spans an astonishing two millennia, Ge’ez is no longer a niche pursuit but a pivotal test case for what a decolonized, globally inclusive vision of antiquity can truly encompass.
The Resurgence of an African Classical Heritage
The historical significance and intellectual depth of Ge’ez are undeniable. Its extensive corpus includes everything from ancient royal inscriptions and foundational biblical translations to detailed chronicles, sophisticated legal codes, and profound philosophical treatises. This unparalleled breadth of material demonstrates Ge’ez’s central role as an essential African classical language, challenging long-standing Eurocentric academic paradigms. This expansion of classical scholarship is driven by crucial converging forces, notably the unmatched richness of the Ge’ez literary heritage and a transformative wave of digitization. This modern technological leap is making the previously less accessible Ge’ez corpus widely available to a global audience, thereby democratizing access to this vital African cultural and intellectual tradition. The ability to access, study, and disseminate these ancient texts digitally is profoundly impacting how scholars around the world engage with this invaluable heritage.
The increasing focus on Ge’ez within the global academy marks a crucial step toward decolonizing knowledge and fostering a truly comprehensive understanding of human history and intellectual achievement. By integrating Classical Ethiopic, academia is not merely broadening its scope but fundamentally redefining the very essence of “classical” learning. This progressive shift ensures that Africa’s profound and foundational literary, historical, and philosophical contributions are rightfully elevated and celebrated on a global platform, fostering a more inclusive and accurate narrative of human civilization.
Keywords
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