Born and raised in Wollo. I attended high school there and joined HSIU in 1970. Did a B.A. in English in 1977 and an MA in Linguistics in 1981, followed by a PHD in 1986, at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Held several administrative positions, including Director of Institutes and Resident Vice President of OSSREA. won several fellowships and awards, including a Fulbright in 2004. Taught several courses, published articles, and authored books, including Amharic Grammar in Amharic. Mentored several PhD students, served on several national and international committees. Now an emeritus professor of Linguistics.
