Prior to formally embarking on this language-learning journey, I have always been intrigued and connected to the Oromo culture, particularly in the form of music. Even when I couldn't understand the lyrics, I found myself listening to Oromo music all the time. Much like other cultures, music is a central aspect of Oromo culture-it is a creative reflection of the values, beliefs, customs, sentiments, etc of the Oromo people. I remember last summer I was obsessed with this Oromo song and for some reason, I felt very connected to it even though I didn't understand what the singer was saying. But when I went to Ethiopia for the summer, I asked my grandmother what the song was saying and she told me that it was a song about the dichotomous bittersweet life of a diaspora-someone who was 'forced' to call another place home because their real home couldn't give them what they needed, but when they arrive to this new 'home' they realize it too, in other ways, can't give them what they need. Anyways, all this is to say that music is such a valuable aspect of culture, and for me personally, the aspect that I find most interesting in my target culture/language. Music is inextricably linked to language-without language there can never be music. In the Oromo culture, music is often used as a means of social commentary and identity expression. Rooted in many Oromo music is commentary and underlying messages about dissatisfaction with government, unwavering pursuit of justice/equality, land rights, freedom to express their identity, etc. However, because of this, these songs are full of phrases with metaphorical meanings that are difficult to understand for a student of Afaan Oromo. Nonetheless, the first step is to advance my vocabulary to understand even just the direct translation of the word. Then as I progress, the metaphorical meanings will follow. Music is a great tool for language learning, so I am lucky that it is a cultural aspect I find most interesting.
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