Lost In Translation

I was doing some  translation works lately.A short Amharic text that a client asked me to translate into English.Not an easy task.The text was filled with words that defy easy translation.Like this word ‘adjirit‘.So how do you you say it in English?

Of buying stolen books

By Kumlachew Fantahun

Being something of a book lover, I usually visit those places where used books are sold, for that is where one would, unexpectedly come across real finds, classics of real value and precious things.

The problem with those places, however, is that you don’t know where the used books come from and if you are a conscientious type and would like to buy the books, you will be put in a moral quandary of complicity to individuals who stole the books and provided them to the book sellers.

And that is what haunts me every time I visit these places.If you visit most of the used books vendors and even some ‘legal’ bookshops, you will find books, which upon close observation are stolen form libraries or individuals.

A Tale of Friends

 A Tale of Friends
Life at the Addis Ababa University wasn't always a bed of rose. Lessons at times got boring and money was often in short supply. But, mostly, you would encounter notions that didn't fit with the assumptions and beliefs that you grew up with. Of course, there were courses that are sources of pleasure and beneficial but most are the kind you cram to earn good grade in order to accumulate for final graduation. It was a system that encouraged students to become grade collectors.