College of Social Sciences and Languages

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A RESEARCH THESIS ON THE STATUS AND DETERMINANTS OF READING SKILL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF TWO GOVERNMENTAL SCHOOLS FOCUSING ON GRADE FIVE
(Mekelle University, 2025-07-25) GEBEREGIWERGIS HADGU
This thesis was entitled as “the status and determinants of reading skill development: the case of two governmental schools focusing on grade five”. The schools was located at the outskirts of Wukro city, in a distance of 825 Kilometers north of Addis Ababa and 45 kilometers north of Mekelle, which the capital city of Ethiopia and Tigray Regional National State respectively. The main purpose of this thesis was to assess and examine the status and determinants of reading skill development: the case of two governmental schools focusing on grade five. The researcher employed both Qualitative and quantitative research approach. Here, the researcher again selects 39 respondents. During the study, the researcher has been used both primary and secondary data sources to collect relevant information related to the title. In addition, data collected techniques such as KIs, FGD, and self-observation as well as Questionnaires were employed. The finding of this study reveals that students’ reading skill status in the two governmental schools was impacted due to the three major factors. Those were student related factors, Demographic factors parent, home and environmental related factors. Due to the above listed factors the students’ reading skill status was very low. According to the finding result, about 85.4% of students of grad 5 that found in the two governmental elementary schools have low status of reading skill ability. For this reason, the students in the grade level that listed above fall on the prepared assessment test. Most of the students especially, those who learn in Kisamet elementary school) were fall to read capital and small letters in the assessment. to overcome those and others problems of the listed schools, directors (school leaders), teachers, parents, woreda educational offices, educational experts, educational cooperators and other stakeholders must involve on the change over all educational intelligence of the children and brings some provision for educational run in the schools.
A Study on Assessment and Evaluation Practices Selected Private Kindergartens Adwa Town
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-21) BRHANE GEBRU GEBRESLASSIE
The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of assessment and evaluation methods of kindergarten children in some selected private kindergartens of Adwa town. To this end, descriptive survey method was employed. Out of 25 private KGs in the town six KGs were selected through simple random sampling method and availability sampling was used to select the kindergarten teachers, principals of kindergarten centres, woreda education office expert, and kindergarten children at different preschool centres. The study employed questionnaire, observation, interview, and document analysis as data gathering tools. Questionnaire and interview were applied to gather data from the kindergarten teacher, principals and woreda education office experts. Pilot test was conducted in ten kindergarten teachers and the reliability of the instrument (questionnaire) was computed using Cronbach’s alpha. Accordingly, the result was 0.77. Then, quantitative data were analysed using percentage and the qualitative data were presented in words to triangulate the data obtained through quantitative methods. Findings made clear that almost all (90%) of the respondents have an understanding of evaluation methods and teacher made tests, observations; portfolios and play based assessments are the common methods of evaluations practiced in the Kindergartens. However, challenges like lack of professional training and support, lack of skills, lack of parental involvement, and lack of evaluation resources affect the appropriateness of the assessment and evaluation methods in the Kindergartens. To this end giving professional training, parental participation, introducing developmentally appropriate practices is possible solutions to these factors. Regional Bureau of Education, Woreda Education Office, pre-school owners, pre-school teachers and parents should give attention to solve the problems. The key words in this study are assessment, evaluation, practices and kindergarten children
A Study on EFL Learners’ Awareness and Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies: With Reference to Grade 10 Students at Masho Secondary School
(Mekelle University, 2023-08-25) ASMELASH DESTA
Vocabulary is the base for English language in particular, and for other languages in general. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate grade 10 students’ awareness and use of vocabulary learning strategies in EFL classes at Masho Secondary School. To this end, the researcher employed the mixed approach both in collecting the data and analyzing them. The data were obtained from grade 10 students who were enrolled in 2012 E.C, and English teachers of grade 10 at the school using questionnaire and interview. As it was impossible to incorporate all students in this study, 113 (25%) out of the total population of 452 students were selected using simple random sampling method. Therefore, two sections with total students of113 were selected to fell the questionnaire, but one respondent did not return the questionnaire. As a result, the analysis is of the 112 respondents. Furthermore, six students were randomly selected for interview and two EFL teachers who were teaching English to the selected sections were selected for interview. The data obtained from the samples were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The quantitative data were presented in frequency and percentage; whereas the qualitative data were presented thematically so as to consolidate the quantitative data. Finally, the findings of this study indicated that the students did not know many vocabulary learning strategies and did not think that these vocabulary learning strategies are important to increase their word power. The students employed only a few vocabulary learning strategies. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that teachers need to create awareness about vocabulary learning strategies and should give opportunities for their students to practice different vocabulary learning strategies.
AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ ERRORS IN ENGLISH COMPOSTION WRITING: THE CASE OF GRADE TWELVE STUDENTS IN MEKELLE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL
(Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) HAGOS HAILEMARIAM ABRAHA
Writing is a complex, cognitive process that requires recursive procedures of prewriting e.g. brainstorming, outlining, drafting, evaluating and revising. Composition writing Skills is one of the most difficult, and tough subject even to teach particularly in an EFL context like Ethiopia. More recently, error analysis has become an important field of research. This investigation is an outcome of the researcher's concerns and efforts to identify areas of difficulty in the writing skills among students and to work out remedial procedures to help them overcome their weaknesses in the future. By using quantitative techniques/approach, this study aimed at identifying, categorizing, and analysing the major errors in the written composition of 30 grade 12 students at Mekelle University Community School in 2025 academic year. The instrument used for this study was participants’ written descriptive composition in English language. All of the errors in these compositions were identified and classified into different categories. The frequency of errors was calculated as percentage. The results show that all these students in this study committed nine common errors. These errors committed were verb- tense, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, capitalization, plurality, word order, articles, auxiliaries, and passive voice. But the most common errors committed were verb- tense and subject-verb agreement respectively. Finally, based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations, and implications for future studies, that will help to reduce the students writing problems in the future are given.
AN EVALUATION OF THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNICATIVE GRAMMAR TASKS/ACTIVITIES: THE CASE OF ENGLISH G R A D E 1 1 T E X T BOOKAT MEKELLE UNIVERSITYCOMMUNITY SCHOOL
(Mekelle University, 2024-11-25) AMANUEL GEBREMEDHIN
An Evaluation of the Design and Implementation of communicative Grammar Tasks/ Activities: The Case of English Grammar Grade 11 Text Book at Mekelle University Community School Amanuel Gebremedhin Mekelle University, 2024 The purpose of this study was to examine an evaluation of the design and implementation of communicative grammar tasks and activities in Ethiopian context, specifically at Mekelle University Community School with regard to communicative grammar teaching. It was attempted to analyze the activities for various purposes; such as (a) whether they are designed and practiced at discourse level, (b) if they are form focused or communicative, (c)whether they are suitable for pair and group work, and (d) to identify them whether they are appealing to learners’ interest and needs. The subjects of the study were one hundred students selected by using stratified sampling technique. Two teachers who were offering English Grade 11 Text Book who were also taken as participants of the study. The data was collected through content analysis, observation, and students’ questionnaire. Ninety-eight questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The finding from each tool indicated that tasks and activities were designed at discourse level but implemented at isolated sentence level. The result also revealed that instruction of grammar lesson has a few transactions (recognizable start and finish, and there was recycling of the exchanges. Furthermore, it depicted that the tasks and activities are related to students’ personal information, experience and provide occasions for them to interact with each other, and lessons were supported by visual aids. Therefore, they are appealing to students’ interest and desires. Moreover, activities are suitable for either pair or group works. Consequently, teachers should make implementing grammar tasks or activities more communicative, discourse based and more contextualized. The teaching material is based on Communicative Language Teaching
ANALYSIES OF ERRORS INMECHANICS IN STUDENTS‘ WRITTEN WORK: GRADE 11 FRE SIWUAT SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS‘ IN FOCUS
(Mekelle University, 2017-12-25) Ashenafi Gubssa
The objective of this study was to analyze mechanics errors in grade 11students’ composition writing. The study was conducted at Fre Swuat Secondary School grade11 students in focus.To address the problem a descriptive survey research design was employed. To carry out the study, all the 7available English teachers were used together with 71 students using available sampling and simple random sampling techniques respectively. In order to attain the objectives writing test, document analysis, and semi-structured interview were used as data collection instruments. The writing test was applied to identify students’ composition writing ability in terms of mechanics (i.e. spelling capitalization and punctuation) and the common errors occurred frequently in the students’ composition writing. The document analysis was used to discover the sources of errors and the semi-structured interview was used to find out the sources and frequency of students errors. Moreover, all data collected using different tools were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The data which was collected using writing test was used to show the rater’s average score of the students’ composing ability in terms of mechanics and to analyze the errors obtained in the students’ composition by frequency, percentage and mean quantitatively. And the data that was gathered using document analysis and semi-structured interview was analyzed qualitatively. The study identified the components of mechanics (spelling, capitalization and punctuation)errors that students’ encounter. As a result according to the raters average score,Fre Siwuat Secondary school students composing ability was low (poor), Errors of capitalization, punctuation, together with omission, substitution, and addition of letters in words and sentences were severe errors observed in students’ compositions and documents. But from these errors, error of capitalization and punctuation had the highest frequency. And the causes of the students’ errors were found to be inter lingual and intra lingual transfer errors. Therefore, since using correct mechanics in students compositionis an ability that could be improved through adequate practice, thus Fre Siwuat secondary school students should be given chance of learning and exercising a lot on spelling, capitalization and punctuationto effectively use them to write in their compositions, assignments etc.
ANALYSIS OF PERMISSIBLE AND INPERMISSIBLE CONSONANT CONSQUENSE RULES AND STRUCTURES OF TIGRINYA LANGUAGE
(Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) Gebretnsaie Kidanemaryam Weldeslassie
This study explores how syllables are formed in Tigrinya, focusing on the soundsystem that shapes its pronunciation. The language makes use of different studiesidentified different number of phonems based on the dialect .Based on my datathereare23consonantphonemes and 7 vowel phonemes, which mainly combineto create CV and CVC syllable patterns. Tigrinya generally avoids complicatedconsonant clusters, and when such clusters occur—especially through wordformation or borrowing—the language uses an epenthetic vowel to break them up.This inserted vowel helps maintain smooth and natural pronunciation and keepssyllables within preferred patterns. The findings show that syllable structure inTigrinya is highly systematic and guided by clear phonotactic rules. Overall, thestudy highlights how Tigrinya maintains a balance between its rich consonantalsystem and a relatively simple set of syllable shapes, offering insight into thesound patterns of Ethio-Semitic languages. Tigrinya; syllable structure; phonology; consonant inventory; vowel system; CV pattern; CVC pattern; epenthesis;phonotactics; Ethio-Semitic languages
ASSESSEMENT OF URBAN YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS IN KOREM TOWN, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
(Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) Mulubrhan Gmedhn Kasa
Ethiopia is one of the most populous country in Africa and in the world with the highest number of its young population as a result of the high fertility rate with the lowest human development index (HDI). The issue of unemployment in general and the youth unemployment in particular is then the most cross cutting issue at national level especially in urban areas which claims a collaborative, integrated and systematic alliance to rationalize it. The research study was conducted with an objective of assessing the driving factors of urban youth unemployment and its socioeconomic effects in the case of Korem town, southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Youth unemployment in Ethiopia, particularly in urban areas like Korem, has become a serious challenge due to rapid population growth, limited job opportunities, poor education quality and weak formal and informal sectors. This situation creates sever socio-economic and political impacts, making it an urgent issue that require effective solutions. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and data were collected through questionnaire, interviewing and focusing group discussion methods. The primary data were collected from 283 simple randomly selected youth respondents. As far as the data analysis is concerned, the descriptive statistical analysis like simple frequencies, cross tabulation and inferential statistical analysis like chi-square and p-value tests were used to analyze the data. The logistic regression model revealed that corruption and maladministration, youth population pressure, lack of quality of education, lack of entrepreneurship and life skill training programs as well as lack of formal and informal sectors were found to be the most significant factors of unemployment. As the socio-economic effects of youths unemployment is concerned, socio-economic effects like loss of human capital, increase dependency ratio, rising migration, social evils, and psychological problems like inferiority complex, stress, depression, stigma and discrimination as well as political impacts like political unrest, uprising, and instability are the most common ones. Based on the findings of the study promoting youth enterprises development and self-employment, attracting domestic and foreign investors that can encourage and initiate job opportunities, collaborative hard working on the quality of education, building infrastructural and social facilities etc. were recommended as some of the best solutions to resolve the youths unemployment.
Cyclic Causation of Conflict and Mental Illness in Selected Tigrigna and Amharic Novels
(Mekelle University, 2025-04-21) Haftu Kahsay Brhanu
This study aims to investigate the cyclic causation of conflict and mental illness in purposively selected Tigrigna and Amharic novels. Specifically, the study was made to identify mental illnesses portrayed in the novels, to show how conflict causes mental illness and vice versa, and to examine the dialectic causal development of internal and external conflicts. It is a qualitative study which employed textual analysis as a method and causal pluralism as a theoretical framework. The causation in conflict is framed by BHN model while the causation in mental illness is framed by BPSS model. The finding shows that unmet basic human needs lead characters to conflict and thereby to various mental illnesses which in turn cause conflicts. It is also found out that intrapersonal, interpersonal and intergroup conflicts result in compromised basic human needs which trigger various mental illnesses. In all the texts under study, family background and relationship is the center of many of the problems that cause the conflicts which lead to mental illnesses like stress, anxiety, conduct disorder, PTSD, narcissistic personality disorder and schizophrenia. Moreover, migration, envy, conspiracy, sexual violence and substance abuse are also found to the major triggers of conflict and mental illness in the texts under study. It is concluded that the ways one perceives himself/herself, understands the family problems, handles conflicts significantly determine the cyclic causation of conflict and mental illness. The study also implies that fictional representation of victim’s life is found to be conducive to portray the cyclic causal relation between conflict and mental illness due to the rich potential of literary works to express the whole person in a plotted manner. The fact that most of the problems that cause conflict and mental illnesses emerge from within the family indicates that a lot is needed to be done to improve the quality of life at family level. All the important aspects of health (biological, psychological, social and spiritual) are strongly related to family relationship. Thus, it is only when a family is changed that changes at communal, societal and national levels could be realized. Finally, I would like to indicate to those who conduct their studies on serious human concerns like conflict and mental illness to utilize the rich potential of literary works like novels so as to address multifaceted problems in a holistic manner. Further studies also need to be done on other genres of literature.
DISCOURSE ANALYSIS ON TIGRINYA CURSING AND BLESSING EXPRESSIONS IN CENTRAL TIGRAY
(Mekelle University, 2025-11-25) KIDANE WELDEAREGAY BEYENE
This study explored discourse analysis of Tigrinya cursing and blessing expressions in the central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia, examining them as culturally significant speech acts embedded in social practice. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through semistructured interviews, non-participant observation, and audio recordings from twelve basic informants, six male and six female, age 35-75 were purposively selected. The analysis was formed through speech act, politeness, and sociolinguistic theories. The findings revealed that blessings are pervasive in positive social and ritual contexts such as teskar/sedeka (memorial feasts), tsebel (religious gatherings), weddings, birthday ceremonies, and coffee rituals. The function is to reinforce social cohesion, express goodwill, and invoke divine favor for prosperity, health, and long life. Cursing, conversely, occurs in contexts of perceived norm violation, such as familial disrespect, theft of church property, and criminal acts like rape. These expressions serve as powerful tools for social control, expressing intense emotions like anger and frustration, and invoking misfortune or divine punishment upon the wrongdoer. Linguistically, both forms are characterized by specific formulaic structures and are highly dependent on the speaker's authority, the context, and paralinguistic features like tone and gesture. The study concluded that cursing and blessing are not merely literal utterances but are per formative acts that profoundly shape social relationships, enforce community values, and reflect the underlying power dynamics and cultural ideologies of Tigrinya speakers. The study recommends further comparative research, the documentation of these oral traditions, and community awareness of their powerful social and psychological impacts, especially religious leaders, elders, and educators, should promote responsible and ethical use of powerful speech acts, ensuring that language fosters healing and respect rather than harm or division. Awareness campaigns could highlight the psychological and emotional impact of negative speech, especially in family settings.
Irregular Migration Dynamics in Raya Alamata, Northern Ethiopia: Exploring the Patterns, Determinants, and Emerging Risks in Migration to the Gulf Countries
(Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) Nigus Molla Woldie
Irregular migration from northern Ethiopia, particularly from Raya Alamata to Gulf countries, has grown significantly in recent years, shaped by intertwined socioeconomic, political, environmental, and social factors. This study investigates the patterns, determinants, emerging risks, and routes of irregular migration using a mixed-methods design. Data were collected through a field survey of 204 respondents, complemented by key informant interviews with returnees and their families, and focus group discussions with local elders and returnees. The findings reveal that economic pressures are the strongest drivers, with poverty (91.7%) and unemployment (84.3%) cited as primary motivators, alongside low agricultural productivity (75%), limited farmland (72.5%), and poor access to credit (63.7%). Political instability, particularly linked to the Tigray conflict, was reported by 95.1% of respondents as a key push factor. Environmental stressors such as land degradation, unreliable rainfall, and weak irrigation infrastructure (71.4%) affect nearly 88% of migrants, reinforcing the emergence of “migration-prone” landscapes. Social networks also play a crucial role: family pressure (66.2%) and connections abroad (53.2%) normalize migration as a networked household strategy. While migration provides important benefits, including remittances (35.8%), improved household living standards (33.3%), asset acquisition (27%), and skill development (6.9%), it exposes migrants to severe risks. These include exploitation (59.3%), unsafe journeys (52%), physical and sexual abuse (48% and 59.3% respectively for women), and legal precarity (36.3%). Migration routes remain perilous, encompassing desert crossings, sea voyages lasting 18–72 hours, and dependence on smugglers who often subject migrants to torture, starvation, and extortion. Three main routes such as via Djibouti, Somalia, and hybrid pathways, were identified, each marked by unique hazards, interception risks, and unpredictable travel durations. The study documents a 93% increase in irregular migration over the past five years, disproportionately affecting youth (97.1%) and women (99.4%), particularly in conflict-affected communities. Coping strategies rely heavily on informal peer networks, with limited humanitarian support. These insights underscore the urgency of comprehensive interventions, including legal migration pathways, protection mechanisms, dismantling of smuggling networks, and stronger institutional support in transit zones. By situating irregular migration within broader socioeconomic and political contexts, this study highlights critical implications for migration governance in Ethiopia and across the Gulf corridor.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: THE CASE OF ADIGRAT TOWN, EASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
(Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) FESSEHA WSELASSIE
It is widely acknowledged in developed countries that proper solid waste management iscrucial for economic vitality, in addition to securing environmental safety and human health. On the contrary, developing nations like Ethiopia, often fail to realize these economic advantages. Instead, they frequently turn to illegal waste dumping, leading to easy exposure to harsh hazards such, as environmental pollution and public health crises. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to assess of municipal solid waste management practices in Adigrat town, Eastern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Accordingly, 196 out of 5852 households of in 3 kebeles of the town were selected using systematic random sampling. Structured questionnaire having both closed-and-open ended questions was administered to the respondents. Moreover, data through interviews and focus group discussion were gathered as supplements to the questionnaire. After the data has been collected, descriptive statistics tables, graphs, percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics tools - linear regression were used for analysis purpose using with the help of SPSS version 24. The results of the findings revealed that despite high awareness of solid waste management, irregular collection forced the households to store waste for over a week, leading to common practices of roadside and drainage dumping (48.8 percent), and open burning (34.8 percent) and discard the wastes using labourers (16.4 percent). The findings also showed low effectiveness of the town's solid waste management because of collection gaps, no storage, poor enforcement, vehicle shortages, and budget issues. Thus to address issues in municipal solid waste management, it's recommended to raise awareness and provide infrastructure like separate bins for waste sorting, increase accessible collection points and promote their proper use, and support households in reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering waste to minimize generation and maximize resource use. Moreover, to improve municipal solid waste management, the municipality, in collaboration with stakeholders such as households, private sectors, institutions and NGOs should provide adequate resources like collection vehicles and storage, develop better treatment facilities, expand and ensure reliable collection services, establish and enforce clear waste management policies (including source separation and proper disposal), and allocate sufficient financial resources for infrastructure, personnel, and program implementation.
Opportunities and Challenges of Micro and Small Enterprises in Hiwane Town, Tigray
(Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) Daniel Abay
The purpose of this study was to assess the opportunities and challenges of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Hiwane town. To accomplish this, the researcher employed a cross-sectional study method. The study was carried out using both simple random sampling and stratified proportional random sampling techniques. The total number of micro and small enterprises in the study area was 230. From this total, the researcher selected 120 participants from each sector, along with 5 MSE experts. The target population in this study consisted of individuals engaged in micro and small enterprises in Hiwane town. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observation. To analyze the data, both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were used. The quantitative data were analyzed using tables, percentages, and correlation analysis, while the qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive narration. The findings of this research indicate that MSEs provide several benefits to society. Some of the opportunities and benefits include serving as sources of employment, supplying various products to the community at relatively low costs, receiving governmental and non-governmental support through loans and funding, providing training, and promoting women and youth empowerment. The major constraints faced by MSEs in the study area include financial problems, limited market access, security issues, inflation, shortages of raw materials, inadequate infrastructure, and political and economic instability. Therefore, it is recommended that both government and non-governmental organizations provide support to MSEs.
PHONOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF ENGLISH BORROWED WORDS ON TIGRINYA BILLBOARDS
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) ALIF GEBRETSADIK TINSUE
Tigrinya language, like many others, continuously expands its lexicon by borrowing words, particularly from English. This study provides a descriptive analysis of English borrowed words found on Tigrinya billboards in Mekelle. The primary objective is to identify the most frequently borrowed words and describe the phonological and morphological processes that characterize their adaptation into the recipient language. Data were collected through photographic documentation of public signage and analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that direct lexical importation is the predominant strategy, characterized by significant phonological modification to agree with Tigrinya phonotactic. Key adaptive processes include systemic vowel substitution, monophthongization, schwa replacement, add glottal stop to reduce vowel initials, and epenthetic vowel insertion to resolve illicit consonant clusters. Morphologically, free lexeme and hybrid compounding are the principal method of blending foreign and native elements. This direct import of lexemes presents potential challenges for lexical accessibility and comprehension. The study concludes that while active phonological nativization occurs, the prevalence of direct imports highlights a pressing need for standardized language planning and policy to ensure communicative clarity and preserve the functional integrity of Tigrinya in public domains.
Practice and Challenges of Early Childhood Care and Education Program in Mekelle City
(Mekelle University, 2025-05-25) Kidane Kebede
This study examined the practices and challenges of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs in government preschools within Mekelle City, Tigray Regional State. Employing a mixedmethods approach that integrates quantitative descriptive analysis (percentage and mean score) and a phenomenological qualitative design, the study assesses the implementation of ECCE program components, the strengths and weaknesses of preschool curriculum implementation, and the availability of resources supporting ECCE programs. Convenient sampling used to select teachers, coordinators, and school directors. Data were collected from sixty preschool teachers, nine school directors, and seven preschool coordinators using questionnaire, structured observations, document analysis, and interviews. Findings reveal that while teachers demonstrate strong commitment to child-centered pedagogical approaches, practical implementation remains inconsistent due to resource constraints, large class sizes, and limited training. Authentic assessment practices, though recognized in principle, are underutilized due to inadequate professional development and structural barriers. The misalignment between curriculum goals and classroom execution further may impede holistic child development. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced teacher training, improved resource allocation, policy coherence, and greater parental engagement to strengthen the quality and accessibility of ECCE programs.
Predictors of Psychological Risk and Resilience among Internally Displaced children residing in Seba-Kare (IDPS) Center, Tigray Region
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-28) Tesfanesh Kalayu Wodaju
This study addresses the critical gap in understanding the psychological risk and resilience factors among internally displaced children residing in the Seba-Kare IDP Center. The primary objective was to investigate how demographic characteristics, war-related adversities, protective factors, and contextual influences affect the mental health outcomes of these children. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research employed both qualitative and quantitative designs. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 212 participants from a total population of 1,209 (594 males and 615 females). Additionally, 20 adults, not involved in the interviews, were randomly selected to triangulate the data sources. Data collection involved validated instruments, including the Child PTSD Symptom Scale, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the War Events Questionnaire, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and the Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorders Scale. These tools were culturally and linguistically adapted into Tigrigna, validated through a pilot test with 30 participants in the study area, and demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha values ranging from 0.748 to 0.894). The findings revealed a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the children, with 77.4% exhibiting moderate symptoms and 20.8% indicating severe symptoms. Additionally, significant concerns regarding depression and anxiety were identified. Major risk factors contributing to psychological distress included exposure to violence, displacement, loss of family members, and parental trauma. Conversely, protective factors such as familial stability, maternal caregiving, social support networks, and adaptive coping strategies significantly fostered resilience. Creative outlets, particularly play, were also found to enhance emotional stability and recovery. Notably, younger children shows heightened sensitivity to trauma. This study underscores the importance of addressing both risk and protective factors in developing interventions aimed at supporting the mental health of IDP children.
Pronominals in Tigrinya: A Morphosyntactic Analysis
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Abrhaley Brhane
The purpose of this thesis was to describe and analyze the morphosyntactic features of pronominals in Tigrinya. Based on this, the researcher employed a descriptive research design grounded in Basic Linguistic Theory (BLT) as the main theoretical framework and Binding Theory as supporting framework. Besides, the domain of this study was morphosyntax, the conceptual framework. The data were drawn from both primary and secondary sources: the primary data consisted of the researcher‟s own linguistic intuitions as a native speaker of Tigrinya and three native speaker informants, while the secondary data were collected from written Tigrinya texts. The data were collected from the researcher‟s own linguistic intuitions, native speaker informants using elicitation and Tigrinya books and text books. The obtained data were analyzed with IPA transcription, glossing based on each morpheme and translation. Consequently, the findings revealed that free third and second person subject pronominals are formed from the pronominal base and pronominal suffixes and free object pronominals are formed from object marker, expletive morpheme, and pronominal suffixes, while independent possessive and reflexive pronominals are built from genitive markers and nominal bases combined with pronominal suffixes respectively. Moreover, bare prefixal bound nominative except first person plural in imperfective verbs need referential subject. Accusative and dative bound pronominals appear as suffixes in mono-transitive and di-transitive respectively when the object is marked. In relation to position, free pronominals occur independently: subjects in preverbal, objects are closer to verb, and possessives are prenominal while bound subject pronominals appear as post-stem suffixes in the perfective and as prefixes or circumfixes in the imperfective, while bound object pronominals are post-stem following the nominative case in both aspects. Bound possessive pronominals surface post-nominally as suffixes. Bindingly, reflexives are locally bound; personal pronouns are free in their local domain, and Rexpressions are free everywhere. To sum up, this research enhances the descriptive and theoretical understanding of pronominal morphology and syntax in Tigrinya, offering insights relevant to Morphosyntax, BLT and Binding Theory.
Sexual Objectification of Women in Modern Tigrinya Music Videos: A Case Study of Engdot Sembet on Dimtsi Weyane TV
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-21) Hillina Alazar Mekonen
This study explores the sexual objectification of women in modern Tigrigna music videos, particularly those broadcast on Dimtsi Weyane TV. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study uses content analysis as its primary method to assess how women are portrayed visually and thematically in 25 selected music videos. In addition, interviews were conducted with key individuals involved in the selection and broadcasting of these videos to understand the underlying factors contributing to the inclusion of objectifying content. Findings reveal that women are frequently depicted in sexually suggestive clothing, submissive roles, and as accessories to male-centered narratives. Despite the pervasive objectification, hosts and producers of the program often overlook these portrayals, focusing instead on other themes such as lyrical content, political or religious sensitivity, or cultural messages. This lack of awareness underscores a critical gap in content evaluation processes within the media outlet. The study concludes that modern Tigrigna music videos broadcast on Dimtsi Weyane TV contribute to the normalization of the sexual objectification of women. It calls for increased awareness among content curators, the development of gender-sensitive media guidelines, and further research to address the broader implications of media portrayals on societal gender norms.
Socio--economic effects of urban expansion on peri- urban communities: case study of Nebelet Town and its peri-urban areas, Central Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia
(Mekelle University, 2025-09-25) Brhanemeskel Amare
Rapid urban expansion has become one of the defining socio-economic and spatial transformations in Ethiopia, bringing both opportunities and challenges for peri-urban communities. In Nebelet town, this expansion has intensified in recent years, driven by population growth, infrastructure development, and increasing demand for residential and commercial land. While such transformations can enhance urban services and create new livelihood opportunities, they often disrupt traditional farming systems and expose vulnerable groups to land dispossession and economic insecurity. Against this backdrop, the central problem addressed in this study is how the urban expansion of Nebelet town has affected the socio-economic well-being of surrounding peri-urban households. The overall objective of the research was to assess the socio-economic impacts of urban expansion on peri-urban communities in Nebelet town, with particular attention to land-use change, livelihood transformation, and equity in the distribution of benefits and costs. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected through household surveys, key-informant interviews, focus group discussions, and GIS-based land-use analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative evidence was examined through thematic analysis. Findings indicate that rapid conversion of farmland and communal areas into residential plots, roads, and business establishments has reshaped the local economy and livelihoods. On the positive side, some households benefited from improved access to services, increased land values, and new income opportunities in trade and construction. On the negative side, many farmers experienced reduced farmland, tenure insecurity, rising living costs, and social disputes. The effects were unevenly distributed: wealthier and well-connected households gained more, whereas smallholders and female-headed households faced significant losses. Factors such as land tenure security, access to serviced land, education, and proximity to infrastructure were decisive in determining household outcomes. The study concludes that without inclusive and participatory planning, urban expansion in Nebelet risks undermining peri-urban livelihoods and widening social inequality. It recommends strengthening land administration systems, ensuring fair and timely compensation, safeguarding productive agricultural areas, and promoting livelihood diversification through skills training and enterprise development. Participatory governance and effective grievance-redress mechanisms are essential for making Nebelet’s growth more inclusive and sustainable.
STANDARDIZING SAAHO WRITING SYSTEM (A Study on the Irob dialect-Focus on students’ textbook)
(Mekelle University, 2025-10-25) Tume Medhin
Saaho, the language of the Irob people in northeastern Tigray, was introduced into education in 2010 with its own orthography. However, the system has not yet been standardized, creating challenges in reading and writing as well as a lack of shared understanding among native speakers. To address this gap, this thesis, titled “Standardizing the Saaho Writing System,” focuses on developing a more consistent system of writing. Informants were selected purposively, including Saaho language experts such as mediators, lecturers, textbook developers, and teachers.Primary data were collected from students’ text books by observation. then Focus Group Discussion was employed (FGDs) based on the variations in the writing of clitics, conjunctions, connecters, tonal symbols, modifiers, possessive pronouns, imperatives beginning with ɑ, cases of elision and deletion, the use of lə and jə, and allophonic variation. As a result, those variations affect students’ and speakers’ ability on writing and reading. The analysis, conducted qualitatively, revealed that the absence of a standardized set of rules is the main cause of these inconsistencies. The thesis proposes conventions to guide orthography writing system: front and post-positional clitics should generally be written separately, with tonal symbols omitted unless the clitic functions as part of a noun or ends in a single consonant. Possessive, interrogative, and negation markers should also be written separately, while tonal symbols are applied only to independent root words. The contextual usage of lə and jə is clarified with specific rules and identified allophones may be used interchangeably. The significance of this thesis lies in fostering a unified writing system for Saaho, contributing to improved literacy and shared understanding among its speakers. Furthermore, it provides a reference for future studies on Saaho and related languages and offers valuable insights for linguists working on language standardization.