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The Remarkable Journey of Chief Kidana-Wald Kefle: A Testament to Scholarship and Resilience

By Habtamu Alemu

Chief Kidana-Wald‘s life story is a captivating tale of intellectual pursuit, linguistic mastery, and scholarly achievements, set against the backdrop of significant historical events and personal trials. Born in the Showa province of Ethiopia in 1862, Kidana-Wald’s early education was local, but his quest for knowledge soon led him to Gondar, a major cultural and religious center in Ethiopia. Here, his aptitude for languages flourished as he mastered Geez (the classical Ethiopian language), Amharic, Arabic, Hebrew, and Latin. His remarkable ability to interpret religious texts earned him the nickname “color horn,” suggesting his vivid and transformative interpretations.

In 1882, Kidana-Wald‘s academic journey took him to Jerusalem. Here, he embarked on an ambitious project to compare and translate the Old and New Testaments across three languages. This work underscored his dedication to religious scholarship and his commitment to fostering understanding across different cultures and religious communities.

Kidana-Wald returned to Ethiopia in 1912 at the invitation of the future Emperor Haile Selassie I, then known as Teferi Mekonen. This marked a significant phase in his career, leading to the publication of important religious interpretations and the beginning of a comprehensive Geez-Amharic dictionary. These contributions were crucial in preserving Ethiopia’s linguistic heritage and expanding educational resources for future generations.

However, Kidana-Wald’s story is also one of resilience amid political turmoil. By 1929, he found himself imprisoned for protesting against the fascist occupation. This incarceration resulted in the loss of his eyesight, but his scholarly work continued through his students and successors. Despite his blindness, he remained a guiding force in Ethiopian scholarship, culminating in the posthumous publication of the “Hadis” dictionary in 1948 by Sadha Teklewold.

Kidana-Wald’s life intertwined with Ethiopia’s turbulent history, particularly during the Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941. Despite the adversities, he continued his work on an onomastic and topological dictionary of Ethiopia and further contributed to lexicography with the Geez-Amharic dictionary, Mazgaba Qalat Wages. His work, published posthumously, was a testament to his lifelong dedication to linguistics and religious studies.

In addition to his linguistic contributions, Kidana-Wald also worked on translating and creating works that bridged languages and cultures. His Hebrew-Geez dictionary and versified Amharic translation of the Liber Patrum highlighted his role in enriching Ethiopia’s linguistic and religious heritage.

Kidana-Wald passed away on July 6, 1944, marking the end of an era in Ethiopian scholarship. His death did not end his influence, as his students and successors continued his legacy, ensuring that his contributions would educate and inspire future generations. He was laid to rest in Dabra Libanos, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, intellectual fervor, and a profound commitment to Ethiopia’s spiritual and linguistic heritage.

Chief Kidana-Wald‘s story is a compelling testament to the enduring power of scholarship and the resilience of the human spirit. His life spanned critical periods in Ethiopian and world history, weaving a rich tapestry of intellectual and cultural contributions. From his early education in Showa to his profound impact in Gondar and Jerusalem, Kidana-Wald’s journey reflects a lifetime dedicated to knowledge, justice, and the transformative power of education.

His legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge and justice and the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. Chief Kidana-Wald’s contributions to Ethiopian scholarly traditions remain a significant part of the country’s heritage, embodying the intersection of language, politics, and history.

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Habtamu Alemu

Habtamu Alemu is a seasoned journalist and the editor-in-chief of Ethio Eyewitness News.

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