The Injibara University – Institute of Agaw Studies has officially announced its 2nd National Research Conference on Agaw Studies, a significant academic gathering dedicated to exploring, preserving, and promoting the rich heritage of the Agaw people. The conference is organized in connection with the commemoration of Injibara Town’s 365th anniversary and aims to bring together scholars, researchers, historians, linguists, and cultural experts from across Ethiopia and beyond.
This national conference serves as an important platform to deepen scholarly discussions on Agaw identity, language, history, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural heritage. It also reflects the growing academic recognition of Agaw studies as a crucial field within Ethiopian research and heritage preservation.
Why This Conference Matters
The Agaw people hold a foundational place in Ethiopian civilization. Their languages, traditions, and socio-political structures have significantly influenced the cultural landscape of northern and central Ethiopia. Yet, many aspects of Agaw heritage remain under-researched or insufficiently documented.
By organizing this conference, the Institute of Agaw Studies is creating space for rigorous academic dialogue, documentation of endangered traditions, and innovative research that connects the past with present development challenges.
This event is not only about history—it is about cultural survival, sustainable development, and identity reaffirmation.
Conference Themes
The conference invites full-length research papers under four major thematic areas:
1. Agaw Languages
Language is central to identity. This theme focuses on the status, challenges, and future of Agaw languages such as Awngi, Xamtanga, and Kemant. Scholars are encouraged to explore:
- Linguistic connections among Agaw languages
- Relationships between Agaw languages and Amharic or other Ethiopian languages
- Revitalization strategies for endangered Agaw languages
With globalization and language shift accelerating, research in this area is urgent and essential.
2. Cultural Heritages
Agaw cultural expressions—both tangible and intangible—are vital parts of Ethiopia’s national heritage. This theme welcomes studies on:
- The status of endangered cultural heritages
- Annual ceremonies, rituals, and festivals
- The role of media in promoting Agaw culture
- Heritage tourism and hospitality development in Injibara
Documenting and promoting these traditions can contribute not only to cultural preservation but also to local economic growth.
3. Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous knowledge systems are increasingly recognized worldwide as valuable sources of innovation and sustainability. This theme includes research on:
- Indigenous technologies and innovation
- Knowledge systems linked to sustainable development
- Traditional healing practices and alternative medicine
- Cultural architecture and its connection to Agaw identity
In an era where sustainable development is a global priority, indigenous knowledge offers locally grounded solutions that deserve scholarly attention.
4. The Agaw History
History forms the backbone of collective identity. This theme encourages papers examining:
- The political, social, economic, and cultural history of Injibara Town
- State formation, governance, and military organization
- Religion, sacred landscapes, and cultural change
- Social organization and identity reassessment
- Historiography of the Agaw in ancient manuscripts
Such research not only strengthens historical understanding but also contributes to rewriting narratives that have often marginalized indigenous perspectives.
Submission Requirements
Researchers submitting papers must ensure that their work:
- Is original and free from plagiarism
- Includes title, author information, and institutional affiliation
- Contains five abstract keywords
- Is between 4,000 and 9,000 words
- Uses APA referencing style
Only accepted papers will be communicated to authors for presentation.
Important Dates
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: Megabit 30, 2018 E.C.
- Notification of Acceptance: Miazia 10, 2018 E.C.
- Symposium Dates: Miazia 17–18, 2018 E.C.
Submissions should be sent to: [email protected]
More information is available at: https://ias.inu.edu.et
A Call to Scholars and Researchers
This conference represents more than an academic event—it is a cultural movement. It calls upon Ethiopian scholars, young researchers, and international academics to engage in serious scholarship about the Agaw people and their contributions to Ethiopian civilization.
By participating, researchers are not only advancing their academic careers but also contributing to cultural preservation, national identity formation, and sustainable community development.
As Ethiopia continues to modernize, platforms like this ensure that indigenous voices, languages, and knowledge systems are not left behind.
If you are working in linguistics, history, anthropology, cultural studies, development studies, or indigenous knowledge research, this is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful academic dialogue.
The future of Agaw studies depends on collective scholarly effort—and this conference is an important step forward.
