Introduction to Amharic and the Ethiopian Alphabet

The Amharic language is widely used across Ethiopia and beyond, with over 12 million Ethiopians living outside of Africa. During Introduction to Amharic and the Ethiopian Alphabet, you’ll learn about one of the diplomatic languages of Africa and how the alphabet differs from English.

Over the five weeks you’ll build towards a Basic User level of proficiency in the language, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to understand the entire Ethiopian alphabet, read and write your own name, and understand and speak basic phrases in Amharic.

You’ll be taught at Fairfield House, the former home of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, King of Kings, Elect of God and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. You’ll be immersed in history relating to the exile of the Ethiopian royal family and government in exile, and the days of triumphant return as the Emperor returned a celebrated visitor to Britain in 1954 and again took rest at Fairfield.

This course is open to complete beginners who want to learn more about this historic language and learn to read and speak Amharic.

Meet the team

Beliyou holds an MA in TESOL from the University of London Institute of Education, now University College London (ULIE). She has taught English courses over several years, and currently teaches academic English at Christ the Redeemer College (CRC), London.

Beliyou is a native speaker of Amharic and has developed and taught Amharic classes at various levels and in different settings. She's an enthusiastic teacher of the language with a passion for the Ethiopian alphabet, grammar and poetry.

She also enjoys learning other languages which allows her to experience the perspective of her students.

Terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions for taking part in this short course.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, get in touch by emailing shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk .