NARRATING LOCAL IDENTITY AMONG THE SOUTHWESTERN OROMO OF ETHIOPIA : CASE OF THE JIMMA AND GERA

Abstract

This paper explores narrative constructions and expressions of local identity among the southwestern Oromo of Ethiopia. It aims to clarify how, on what bases, and to what end each local group understands itself in relation to 'others' within and beyond the wider regional Oromo grouping. From an internal perspective, there are a number of local boundaries differentiating one's own group from those of others. In oral societies like the Oromo, the bases for and contents of collective self-identifications and self-perceived differences from others are mainly constructed, interpreted, and articulated in various forms of folklore, especially in narrative performances. It is in and through conversational narrative performances that members of each local group (re-)create, perpetuate, or even challenge a prototypical and/ or stereotypical portrait of their own selves and of others.