About the Department
From humble beginnings in 2012 with only a handful of instructors and students, the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) has blossomed into a thriving hub of learning. Today, we proudly host over 400 students across regular, summer, and MA summer programs, and our team of dedicated instructors continues to grow.
Our vision is simple yet ambitious: to be a leading department within the College of Social Science and Humanities. We achieve this by providing high-quality education that equips our graduates with the critical thinking, communication, and literary skills they need to excel in diverse fields.
Furthermore, we are committed to:
- Conducting research that addresses real-world needs. Our faculty actively engage in various research areas, contributing valuable insights to society.
- Providing multidimensional services to the community. We reach out beyond the classroom through initiatives that promote literacy, cultural understanding, and critical engagement.
By nurturing competent graduates, fostering impactful research, and actively serving the community, DELL strives to play a significant role in tackling societal challenges and building a brighter future.
Mr. Feyera Fituma
feyera.fituma@meu.edu.et
HoD's Message
Message of DELL, Head
Nowadays, the English Language has become the language of contemporary thought and a vital element in the global landscape. It can be likened to the hand that feeds knowledge and the lung through which all disciplines inhale and exhale. English plays a pivotal role as the primary international lingua franca, facilitating communication among global communities. In particular, it serves as the dominant language in higher education, fostering international collaborations and enabling research exchange.
When we consider Ethiopia, English is used as the medium of instruction in secondary schools and tertiary-level academic institutions. Additionally, at the elementary level, it is taught as a subject, and in some elementary schools, it is even used as the medium of instruction.
To meet the demand for skilled human resources across all academic levels, universities in Ethiopia have taken significant steps by establishing English Language Departments. These departments aim to train generations capable of mastering language skills at all levels of education. The primary objective of English Language and Literature programs is to equip students with essential communication skills—both written and spoken—while also fostering their ability to analyze literature critically. This prepares them for academic and professional success in an increasingly globalized environment.
Research has consistently shown that individuals proficient in academic language tend to perform better academically, as there is a strong positive correlation between language competence and academic success. Recognizing this, English Language Departments are dedicated to nurturing students' language skills to empower them for future achievements.
To implement this vision, the Department of English Language and Literature was officially established at Mattu University in 2004 E.C., initially staffed by eight instructors holding Master’s degrees (MAs). The department began training its first cohort of 48 undergraduate students majoring in English Language and Literature in 2005 E.C. Since 2007 E.C., it has achieved significant milestones by graduating:
- 249 BA graduates through its Regular Program,
- 174 BA graduates through its Summer Program, and
- 33 MA graduates through its Weekend Program.
In the current academic year (2017 E.C.), the department is teaching:
- 23 undergraduate students through its Regular Program,
- 332 undergraduate students through its Summer Program, and
- 10 MA students through its Summer Program.
Regarding staff profile, the department currently has:
- 5 PhD holders,
- 5 Assistant Professors,
- 5 Master’s degree holders actively teaching, and
- 6 instructors pursuing their PhD studies.
Through its dedicated staff and structured programs, the Department of English Language and Literature continues to play a vital role in producing skilled graduates who are well-prepared for both academic endeavors and professional challenges.