Articles

Movement of Jah People: Language Ideologies and Music in a Transnational Contact Scenario

---

Abstract

This paper is concerned with language ideologies and attitudes relating to the repatriated Rastafari community in Ethiopia. It examines language ideologies of Ethiopians and repatriates in Shashemene and beyond, looking in particular at the Ethiopian reggae scene and music practices by analyzing lyrics, compositions and singing style with reference to three music examples. Reggae constitutes a major domain of interaction and exchange between Ethiopians and repatriated Rastafari and reveals how language ideologies are put into practice. The music examples discussed in this paper shed light on multilingual practices and the role of ideologies with regard to cultural and linguistic exchanges in a global and local perspective.

Keywords: Rastafari, Ethiopia, Reggae, multilingualism, migration

How to Cite:

Hollington, A., (2016) “Movement of Jah People: Language Ideologies and Music in a Transnational Contact Scenario”, Critical Multilingualism Studies 4(2), 133-153.