Home About Us Aims Sidama Music Contact us

Sidama Language and Culture

Language

In order to write and read Sidama language 30 alphabets are needed. Namely: a,b,c,d, dh,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n,ny, o,p,q,r,s,sh,t,u, v,w,y,x, and z. Ny and Z are rarely used.
Vowels (Coyishishaano)

Harancho (short) Long (seeda)

A E I O U    AA EE II OO UU

a e i o u   aa ee ii oo uu

Consonants (Coyishishamaano)

Capitals (Jawa): B C CH D DH F G H J K L M N NY P PH Q R S SH T TS V W X Y Z ZH

Small (Shiima): b c ch d dh f g h j k l m n ny p ph q r s sh t ts v w x y z zh

Sidama-English Translation "a"
Numerals

Sidama English

Mite 1

Lame 2

Sase 3

Shole 4

Onte 5

Le 6

Lamala 7

Sete 8

Honse 9

Tonne 10

Xibe 100

Kume 1000

The Calendar
There are two main seasons in a year. Arro is characterised by hot, dry weather. It extends from October to March. Hawado is characterised by heavy rains extending from April to September. This is also the time for increased agricultural activity. The twelve lunar months are:

Arfaasa (January),

Ammajje (February),

Badhessa (March),

Dottessa (April),

Onkolessa (May),

Ella (June),

Maaja (July),

Wocawaajee (August),

Wocawaaro (September),

Birra (October),

Bocaasa (November), and

Sadaasa (December).

Time determination is based on astronomic lunar approach. According to Sidama astrologers, the first day of the month is algajjimma. It follows the conjunction of the moon with the constellation of stars (Buusa). Algajjima is followed by arba, bolla, bassa, caraawa, durette, dullatte, bidirsa, dette, kraawicha, gurduuduma, sonsaa, rukkuma, lumaasa, gidaada, ruud, errere (mother), errere (dughter), adulaa (mother), adulaa (daugheter), harfatto, dette, dullatte, bitaa, and co-la'o.

Articles on Language and Culture

Politics and Politics

The Luwa and the Anga Culture