The Origin of Amahric

By Girma A. Demeke

Bender and Fulass (1978) and Bender (1983) propose that Amharic might have originated as a pidgin. This proposal, which has its roots in oral traditions, has recently become quite popular even entering Amharic textbooks despite its lacking proper research. The book thoroughly examines this hypothesis and argues instead that Amharic is not a language created through pidgin-induced change, but a clear descendant of Semitic. Taking into consideration, historical, linguistic, cultural and chronological issues this book also demonstrates that the Semitic languages of the Horn are spoken in their home of origin.