Data base

Basic data:

• for geographic notions: localisation; description according to all relevant parameters (topographical, possibly geological, hydrological, ecological etc.)


• in case of anthropogeographic units (towns, regions, provinces etc.): historical survey, present function/ status


• for biological/medical entries: areal of distribution, description, classification, traditional and cultural importance, present role


• state of research, desiderata

History:

• relevant historical processes concerning the entry subject


• entry: factual data


• anchoring of the entry in its immediate historical / socio-political context


• assessment within a broader historical framework


• impact on later development


• relevance of external factors


• state of research, desiderata

Languages / Linguistics:

• in case of languages: alternative/ earlier names


• genetic classification


• localisation and description of speech community


• diachronic: role in Ethiopian (language) history


• synchronic: language status, socio-linguistic assessment,


• grammatical sketch, including references to typological and areal features


• elementary word list (equivalents for ‘one’, ‘two’, ‘three’, ‘fire’, ‘water’, ‘sun’, ‘moon’, ‘blood’, ‘tongue’, ‘tooth’ [the so-called Herman Bell's standard ten-word list], plus a few own examples from the basic vocabulary [independent pronouns, demonstratives, interrogatives, copulas])


• written and/or oral literature


• state of research, desiderata

Literature:

• genre


• contents


• historical context of composition


• external influences, models, "Vorlage", translation


• the mss. evidence (age, provenance, internal relations; catalogues; editions)


• impact and role in Ethiopian literature and society


• assessment within the wider framework of Near Eastern or other literatures (e.g. Christian, Jewish, Muslim)


• state of research, desiderata

Ethnology / Ethnography:

• localisation / inhabited area


• origins, migrations, history


• material and intellectual culture


• customs, religion, life cycle


• language


• self-perception


• perception by outsiders


• position within Ethiopian society


• contribution to Ethiopian history and culture


• state of research, desiderata

Persons / Individuals:

• biographical data


• profession(s), function(s)


• biographical sketch / role in and impact on Ethiopian history and society


• achievements, legacy


• if applicable: reflection in literature, painting, song, memorial feast (for saints), etc.

Religion:

• description of phenomenon


• history, development, earlier stages


• assessment of synchronic cultural and religious relevance, "Sitz im Leben";


• pan-Ethiopian features, syncretism


• theology (especially in cases of Judaism, Christianity, Islam)


• assessment within a wider Near Eastern and African framework


• state of research, desiderata

The Arts:

• musical / figurative genre


• description / contents


• historical and/or situational context of composition


• external influences


• role within Ethiopian art / music history


• role in and impact on Ethiopian society


• assessment within a wider Near Eastern and African framework


• state of research, desiderata