Oxford Dictionary Adds Two Amharic Words, Removes Ethiopia Famine Reference

The 2026 edition of the Oxford Dictionary has added the Amharic words “berbere” and “azmari” while removing an earlier example that referred to Ethiopia in connection with famine.

The changes come as Ethiopia continues to face challenges in shifting international perceptions shaped by decades of media coverage focused on famine and food insecurity.

Binyam Taye, deputy commissioner of the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, told Ahadu Radio that the inclusion of the two Amharic terms could bring greater international attention to the cultural meanings and traditions associated with them.

The removal of the famine-related reference from the latest edition was also noted by Binyam, who said such examples were no longer included in the new dictionaries.

He said, however, that media content produced during previous periods of famine continued to influence Ethiopia’s international image. International media outlets’ continued use of older portrayals of the country remains a challenge for the tourism commission, he added.

Binyam said a coordinated campaign was needed to promote Ethiopia’s cultural and tourism assets and help change the country’s established image internationally.

Source: FSX Business News