Oromoo Studies: Retrospect and Prospects

Abstract

Professor Bekele Gutema, a key note speaker at the Oromoo Studies Conference at Haramaya University, discussed the purpose of establishing research institutes and the importance of epistemology in producing knowledge. He emphasized the need for Oromoo studies to address epistemic injustice faced by the Oromoo and others. Epistemic injustice is when a person's or community's way of knowing is denied or marginalized, jeopardizing their normal life and tasks. Oromoo studies aims to challenge this injustice by producing knowledge that empowers some without marginalizing others. Theestablishment of Oromoo studies institutes is necessary to resist marginalization in real-life matters such as culture, politics, and other subjects. Oromoo studies began as an exotic activity by foreigners who encountered the Oromoo people and became fascinated by their way of life and traditions. This led to the creation of the Oromo Studies Association (OSA) in the last quarter of the 20th century, which publishes the Journal of Oromo Studies (JOS).