Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
19
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
19-22
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study employs a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the discourse surrounding COVID-19 in Ethiopia. By
exploring the narratives and discursive strategies used in public discussions, media coverage, and official statements,
the study aims to understand how the pandemic is framed and understood in Ethiopia. The abstract highlights the
importance of rethinking the past and defining the present in the context of COVID-19. Through an analysis of
language, power relations, and socio-political ideologies, this study investigates the historical, cultural, and political
factors that shape the discourse on COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the
ways in which the pandemic is constructed and perceived in the Ethiopian context, informing public health strategies
and fostering critical engagement with the crisis.
KEYWORDS
Critical discourse analysis, COVID-19, Ethiopia, discourse framing, power relations, socio-political ideologies, public
health strategies.
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on
societies worldwide, including Ethiopia. The ways in
which the pandemic is discussed and understood are
shaped by discourses that reflect historical, cultural,
Research Article
A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 IN ETHIOPIA:
RETHINKING THE PAST AND DEFINING THE PRESENT
Submission Date:
July 07, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 12, 2023,
Published Date:
July 17, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume03Issue07-06
Getachew Tiruneh
Faculty of Languages and Humanities, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Ethiopia
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijll
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
20
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
19-22
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
and political factors. This introduction provides an
overview of the study, which employs a critical
discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the discourse
surrounding COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The study aims to
shed light on the framing of the pandemic, power
relations embedded within the discourse, and the
implications for public health strategies. By rethinking
the past and defining the present, this study seeks to
foster a critical understanding of the COVID-19 crisis in
Ethiopia.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had
profound implications for societies worldwide,
including Ethiopia. The ways in which the pandemic is
discussed and understood are shaped by discourses
that reflect historical, cultural, and political factors.
This introduction provides an overview of the study,
which employs a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to
examine the discourse surrounding COVID-19 in
Ethiopia. The study aims to shed light on how the
pandemic is framed, the power relations embedded
within the discourse, and the implications for
rethinking the past and defining the present in the
Ethiopian context.
Ethiopia, a country with a rich cultural and historical
heritage, is navigating the challenges posed by COVID-
19 within its unique socio-political and economic
landscape. The study recognizes the importance of
critically analyzing the discourses surrounding the
pandemic, as they shape public understanding, policy
responses, and societal dynamics. By delving into the
discursive practices and strategies used in public
discussions, media coverage, and official statements,
this study aims to uncover the underlying power
relations, socio-political ideologies, and historical
contexts that influence the discourse on COVID-19 in
Ethiopia.
Through a critical examination of language, rhetoric,
and narratives, this study seeks to understand how the
pandemic is framed, the dominant discourses that
emerge, and the ways in which these discourses shape
public perceptions, policy decisions, and societal
responses. By rethinking the past, considering
Ethiopia's experiences with past crises and epidemics,
and defining the present, taking into account the
current challenges and opportunities, this study aims
to foster a critical understanding of the COVID-19 crisis
in Ethiopia.
The findings of this study contribute to a deeper
understanding of the complex dynamics between
language, power, and the COVID-19 crisis in Ethiopia.
They inform public health strategies, policy decisions,
and societal engagements, facilitating a nuanced
approach to addressing the challenges posed by the
pandemic. By critically examining the discourse
surrounding COVID-19, this study seeks to foster a
more informed and comprehensive response,
grounded in a reevaluation of the past and a reflection
on the present, ultimately contributing to a more
resilient and effective approach to managing the
ongoing crisis.
METHOD
Data Collection:
A range of textual data is collected for
analysis, including public speeches, media articles,
official statements, social media posts, and public
health guidelines related to COVID-19 in Ethiopia. These
diverse sources help capture the various discursive
contexts and voices in the public sphere.
Critical Discourse Analysis:
A critical discourse analysis
approach is applied to examine the language,
narratives, and discursive strategies employed in the
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
21
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
19-22
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
collected data. The analysis focuses on uncovering
underlying power relations, socio-political ideologies,
and historical contexts that shape the discourse on
COVID-19 in Ethiopia. This involves identifying
dominant discourses, ideological frameworks, and the
ways in which they influence the construction of the
pandemic.
Framing Analysis:
A framing analysis is conducted to
identify how COVID-19 is framed within the discourse in
Ethiopia. The study explores the dominant frames and
discursive practices used to define the pandemic, its
causes, consequences, and potential solutions. This
analysis helps uncover the socio-political and cultural
dimensions that influence the understanding and
response to COVID-19.
Contextual Analysis:
The discourse surrounding
COVID-19 is situated within its broader socio-political
and historical context in Ethiopia. This involves
examining
the
country's
healthcare
system,
governance structures, socio-economic disparities,
cultural norms, and historical experiences of crises and
epidemics. The contextual analysis provides insights
into the factors that shape the discourse on COVID-19
and influence public health strategies.
Interpretation and Analysis:
The data collected
through the critical discourse analysis, framing
analysis, and contextual analysis are interpreted and
analyzed to identify key themes, patterns, and
discursive strategies. The findings are then critically
examined to understand the implications for public
health strategies, the framing of the pandemic, and the
rethinking of the past and definition of the present in
Ethiopia.
By employing a critical discourse analysis approach and
combining it with framing and contextual analysis, this
study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding
of the discourse surrounding COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The
findings contribute to fostering critical engagement
with the pandemic, informing public health strategies,
and encouraging a nuanced understanding of the crisis
within its historical, cultural, and political contexts.
RESULTS
The critical discourse analysis of COVID-19 in Ethiopia
revealed several key findings:
Dominant Discourses:
The analysis identified dominant
discourses that framed the pandemic, including
discourses of health crisis management, socio-
economic impact, political governance, and cultural
practices. These discourses shaped public perceptions
and responses to COVID-19 in Ethiopia.
Power Relations and Ideologies:
The analysis
uncovered power relations embedded within the
discourse, with certain actors and institutions holding
authority and influencing the narrative. Socio-political
ideologies, such as notions of governance, nationalism,
and cultural values, played a role in shaping the
discourse on COVID-19.
Framing of COVID-19:
The study revealed various
frames used to define COVID-19 in Ethiopia, including a
public health crisis, an economic challenge, a political
issue, and a cultural concern. These frames influenced
public understanding and response to the pandemic.
DISCUSSION
The discussion explores the implications of the findings
and engages with the broader socio-political and
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
22
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
19-22
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
historical contexts in Ethiopia. It highlights the
interplay between discourses, power relations, and
ideologies in shaping the discourse on COVID-19. The
discussion also examines how the framing of the
pandemic influenced public health strategies and
societal responses.
The analysis reveals tensions and contradictions within
the discourse, such as the balancing act between
health concerns and socio-economic considerations. It
highlights the importance of recognizing diverse
perspectives and engaging in critical dialogue to
address these tensions effectively.
The discussion also considers the historical context of
epidemics and crises in Ethiopia, acknowledging the
lessons learned and the potential impact on the
current
discourse
surrounding
COVID-19.
It
underscores the need to reevaluate past experiences
and apply relevant knowledge to inform present
strategies.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study provides insights into the
critical discourse surrounding COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The
analysis highlights the influence of power relations,
ideologies,
and
framing
in
shaping
public
understanding and response to the pandemic. By
rethinking the past and defining the present, this study
encourages critical engagement with the discourse,
fostering a nuanced understanding of the crisis within
its historical, cultural, and political contexts.
The findings have implications for public health
strategies, calling for a holistic approach that
addresses socio-political and cultural factors. It
emphasizes the importance of inclusive and
participatory decision-making processes to ensure
effective communication and response to the
pandemic.
Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper
understanding of the complex dynamics between
language, power, and the COVID-19 crisis in Ethiopia. It
serves as a foundation for further research and critical
engagement, informing policy discussions and efforts
to mitigate the impact of the pandemic while
considering the country's historical and socio-political
context.
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