By: – Habte H.
Ethiopia, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, holds hundreds of thousands of manuscripts – repositories of history, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and theology – all preserved in Geez. These works are not only Ethiopia’s heritage but humanity’s shared inheritance. The question before us is stark: will we embrace this legacy for a genuine renaissance, or allow it to fade into obscurity?
The rest of the world has already recognized its value. Today, universities in Germany, Canada, the United States, and elsewhere teach Geez. They are not compelled by religion or foreign influence; rather, they know that Geez carries insights from ancient civilizations – wisdom still urgently relevant to humanity’s story. If Ethiopia truly seeks a renaissance, it must look inward, reclaim its own heritage, and study its ancient scripts. Only then can we revive the wisdom of the past to guide the present and shape the future.
Geez is not confined to dusty prayer books; it is a repository of planetary wisdom. It preserves profound insights into history, philosophy, science, and culture – knowledge that continues to inspire scholars across the world. Foreign universities understand what Ethiopia seems to forget: a civilization cannot thrive if it is severed from its roots.
Ethiopia’s Missed Opportunity
Ironically, in Ethiopia itself, the language is too often dismissed. Some “scholars” with long careers in universities boldly declare, “Geez is dead.” One even suggested reducing its letters – an absurd proposal that reflects neither respect for heritage nor scholarly depth.
Here lies the tragedy: these are not true scholars but what might be called “Bookeez” – individuals who look academic but are functionally illiterate when it comes to intellectual curiosity and contribution. If Ethiopia truly wants a renaissance, it must revisit its own foundations. Revival must be built on passion, pride, and curiosity. To dismiss Geez altogether is to cut ourselves off from our roots – and no tree grows tall if it severs its connection to the soil.
Why Geez Matters Beyond Religion
Many assume Geez is just a liturgical language, confined to Ethiopian Orthodox churches. That is a mistake! Embedded in its manuscripts are untapped scientific, philosophical, and cultural treasures. This is precisely why universities abroad teach it – not as ritual, but as a gateway to understanding human civilization.
It is understandable that young Ethiopians pursue Arabic, French, and English. These languages often promise employability and mobility in a globalized world. Yet the question remains: should we abandon Geez entirely, even as outsiders embrace it as a jewel of knowledge?
Revival Through Curiosity, Not Coercion
Any revival of Geez must not be imposed from above. Learning cannot thrive under compulsion. No one should be forced to study a language – or even a single letter – without genuine interest. Coercion breeds resentment, not understanding. Instead, Ethiopia should foster an environment where curiosity leads the way – where pride and voluntary exploration inspire young people to rediscover their heritage.
The Critics Within: Intellectual Stagnation
Sadly, not everyone shares this vision. I know of an Ethiopian academic who has spent nearly three decades at Addis Ababa University, yet his scientific contributions remain minimal. Despite his long tenure, he has openly opposed the study of Geez, dismissing it as “dead.” His disdain goes further – he even suggested reducing its letters, a stance that reveals hostility toward Ethiopia’s ancient civilizations.
One would expect a scholar to appreciate the intellectual wealth of these traditions and their contributions to global knowledge. Yet actions often speak louder than titles. To dismiss Geez as irrelevant is to ignore its multifaceted role – far beyond religion – in safeguarding knowledge that could inspire innovation today.
Who’s Really Dead?
So, is Geez dead? I argue no. What is dying instead is the Bookeez generation – individuals who occupy academic positions for decades without meaningful contribution yet dismiss Ethiopia’s heritage with a wave of the hand. These voices are the real obstacle to Ethiopia’s renaissance.
A true scholar does not mock ancient civilizations. A true scholar explores, questions, and integrates that heritage with modern science. Geez is alive – not only in churches but also in classrooms across the West. The tragedy is not the “death of Geez” but the intellectual poverty of those who deny its value.
Closing Thought
Ethiopia’s renaissance will not come by mimicking others. It will come by reclaiming its heritage with curiosity, confidence, and creativity. Geez, as a living archive of wisdom, should be a pillar of that journey. What is truly dead are not our ancient scripts – but the Bookeez who refuse to see their value.
So, what do you think? Is it time for a Geez renaissance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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Ethiopia is the only Country in Africa, and one of the 18th Country in the World to possess its own language with a special beautiful Alphabets known as ‘Geez’. It’s as old as from 500 BC to 400 AD. It’s still a very active language we speak it and the Churche’s daily prayers and Mass ceremonies like the Latin language in Europe and elsewhere. Denying this wonderful language is criminal and unthinkable. It’s the language of the World that God blessed and gave us to all Humankind. Not necessarily Ethiopian but belongs to the World’s Heritage!
Thank you.
Ge’ez has nothing to do with Africa.
Also Morocco has their own alphabet script.
The heritage of Arabians and their Semitic descendants should not apply to all of Ethiopia. Ge’ez is only used in the EOTC, which is being forced out and replaced by Pente Western Liberals.
Ethiopia has to do better in the modern day and avoid worldly agendas.
You have inflated the role of Geez language up to the sky without a single evidence to cite. As one studies ancients history,and language many universities may have a program to study Geez as part of Semitic language. Historians define Arabic language as one of the main tool for Advancement of modern science.
Those who stand in the valley, cannot see what is on the mountain, and beyond the mountain, however those who stand on top of the mountain are able to see what is on the mountain as well as what is in the valleys below all around the mountain.
You asked for evidence:
Here is our own Dr Rodas Tadese’s video, visiting the Geez archives at the Catholic University in Washington DC.
Link = youtube.com/watch?v=CrYFgqUuokI
The manuscripts include: literature, philosophy, Science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, the universe & objects, etc. and of course religion.
Unfortunately, many today focus FEARFULLY on the religious part of Geez, unaware religion is perhaps 1/10 of the many secrets Geez holds.
Soon, Amhara region schools will be offering Geez language from grade 3 & up, along with all the other languages and subject mater studies offered in their curriculum’s.
Many thanks for the author.
The limitations & bias of “bookeez scholars’ should not surprise us, individually they are not worth our time, but leting them continue in their ‘dumb & dumber’ mission they are on is a disaster for the nation; 500,000 ESL failure rate count in 2025 by itself shows the root cause of the problem, suggests drastic action needs to be taken, in the “education’ sector.
Be well.
The founding of Axum’s trilingual inscription, remind us of the 190 bc. History of Egypt, known as the famous discovery of ‘Rosetta Stone of Trilingual Inscriptions of Stone in ‘Greek, Demonic and Hieroglyphs’. Near Rosetta, the Western mouth of the Nile in 1799.
A French man, Jean François In 1822 was able to decipher the mystery or the unattainable inderstanding by deciphering of the Hieroglyphs.
Similarly in Ethiopia, we have two Stone Monuments of Axum’s Trilingual Inscriptions in Geez,Sabean, and Greek Stone monument of the 4th century AD both of them belongs to ‘King Ezana’s’ narrative of how he defeated his enemies by the help of the Sabean God known as ‘God Almuqah’ and after his conversion to Christianity how deafeted his enemies by the Help of the Lord, God. Thanks to the three identical Inscriptions and at the top of the Greek inscription reads thus:- ‘Monarch or King of Ethiopia’
Basileus (Ancient Greek: βασιλεύς) is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs throughout history. In the English-speaking world, it is perhaps most widely understood to mean ‘monarch’, referring to either a ‘king’ or an ’emperor’. So we were able to decipher not only the meaning but also, the name Ethiopia itself or in Greek or Geez ‘Aethiopikos’ mentioned for the first time in history on these two Stone tablets measuring around 2meters height & one meter wide. 4th century AD. So the Geez language is one of the leading Key- ancient languages along with Greek, Latin, Hieroglyphs Arabic, Armenian…
By the way Both Geez and Arabic are very identical in several meaningful expressions except written character /alphabetical/differences.
Anyway, we Ethiopians should respect our Own histories which is well respected by foreigners.
Thank you.
Ge’ez is definitely not a “dead language”, no matter what some people like to say.
In every Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, every Sunday and feast day, you’ve got the debetaras and deacons leading the service, expected to create a brand-new Qene (poem) for that particular day. Each Qene is unique – it’s never repeated – and by the following week the debetaras are expected to come up with a completely new one!
And these poems aren’t just about religion. They explore philosophy, morality, beauty, law, justice, governance – even the grievances and struggles of society. This is why Ge’ez is still very much alive. It’s not just preserved, it’s actively used, interpreted, and developed every single week.
That’s why calling Ge’ez “dead” is completely wrong. Sure, linguists might label it a “liturgical language”, but that doesn’t mean it’s lifeless. Just like Latin in the Catholic Church or Sanskrit in Hindu rituals, Ge’ez is a wellspring of intellectual, spiritual, artistic, and cultural creativity. Imagine collecting 90,000 of these poems every Sunday – you’d have an incredible record of Ethiopia’s living heritage!
And you’re absolutely right – if you want to properly understand African history, especially Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Egypt, southern Arabia, and the wider Levant, you need some knowledge of Ge’ez. It’s not just a church language – it’s the key to Ethiopia’s law codes (Fetha Negest), royal chronicles, philosophy, and some of the earliest African Christian theology.