A Comparative Research On The Knowledge Dissemination And Traditional Higher Learning Practices Of Chinas Ancient Yi Ethnic Minority Intellectuals "Bimo" And Ethiopia’s Agaw Noble "Higher Priests"

In light of globalization and commercialization many traditional cultures are beingrapidly assimilated into the mass popular culture. This Masters thesis endeavors toresearch the traditional intellectual knowledge dissemination system of Chinas ancient Yiethnic minority intellectuals “Bimo” and Ethiopia’s Agaw noble “Higher Priests”.Although these intellectual masters have not been formally utilized in the modern dayhigher education system of China and Ethiopia, they do nevertheless retain especiallyinfluential teaching positions in both Yi and Agaw culture and society, respectively. Both“Bimo” and “The Higher Priests” knowledge and wisdom ranges over a number ofacademic disciplines and the life long path of higher learning that they painstakinglypursue to fulfill their intellectual capacity is highly admirable. The roles of both Bimoand Higher Priests not only covers traditional religious education, but also family, health,asetitic and social-cultural education., Throughout the historical development of bothcultures and indeed until the present day these highly respected teachers have hadenormous influence on the culture, spirit, psyche and social makeup and daily practices oftheir tribes. Without doubt, this is rapidly changing along with the socio-economicdevelopment and the recent educational reforms of both societies respectively. Both Bimoand Higher Priests are quite unique in that these intellectuals both originated from two ofthe most ancient societies in the world. They created and developed their own writtenlanguages, philosophies and profound wisdoms that are not only an enlightenment to Yiand Agaw but also to the rest of the world. Considering that Chinas Yi Ethnic MinorityBimo and Ethiopia’s Agaw Higher Priests are original protectorates of the theirrespective ancient languages and culture they themselves also need to be protected as faras possible so that they can continue to disseminate their vast wisdom and intellectualknowledge to the younger generations, in a positive manner before it is lost completely.In final analysis, Bimo and The Higher Priests are undoubtedly two of the world’s mostvaluable intellectuals and higher learning pioneers that are in themselves an invaluableasset to the world of higher education and that of cultural and ethnic minority research.The author believes that in order to rejuvenate and protect Yizu and Agaw culture, theyounger generations need to be highly encouraged and given an environment to learntheir own magnificent ancient languages and traditional wisdoms. They must be givenample opportunities to use their mother tongue in university entrance examinations aswell as being given ample opportunities to develop academic careers in the fields of Bimoand Higher Priests.