The Metonymy of Amhara Identity

Abstract This qualitative, descriptive study investigates how Amhra identity is constructed through metonymy within the framework of social identity theory. Therefore, this study has two main objectives including describing the various expressions that people use to mention the Amhara people and to identify the reasons why do people use those expressions to name the Amhara people. The researcher conducted a purposive selection of 20 informants (10 male, 10 female, utilizing semi-structured interviews and introspection to gather data on the discursive construction of Amhara identity. The findings reveal that the Amhara people are frequently represented in Ethiopian discourse through various metonymic expressions rather than their direct ethnic name. These expressions often serve to stereotype or substitute the collective identity of the Amhara. Common metonymic labels identified in the study include nəfɨt’əɲɲa ‘musketeer’ or ‘gun-holder’ tɨmɨkɨtəɲɲa ‘snob’ or ‘chauvinist’, k’ɒmɨʧ’ʧ’ə ‘subtle’ or ‘crafty’, ɨbritəɲɲa ‘arrogant’, and mətətəɲɲa ‘magician’. The study highlights that such labels are part of a broader discourse that uses specific characteristics to represent or disparage the entire group.