nothin The Next Generation Speaks American, Not… | New Haven Independent

The Next Generation Speaks American, Not Amharic

As a 23 year old in Addis Ababa, Wubneh Tessema had become used to seeing family members come over to the United States.

On a diversity visa, he joined them in 1995, at the age of 23.

His first stop was North Haven, where his brother was living at the time. In two years, he was married; in four, he had helped found and open Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant on Temple Street. Sixteen years later, he has bought the restaurant from his brother, moving it into new territory while keeping many of the mainstays.

He spoke about his experiences at length on WNHH radio’s Open For BUsiness” program. Click on the above audio file to listen to the whole program; edited excerpts follow:

Is there a strong Ethiopian culture where you live now. Or is it kind of just you?

Actually I live in Bridgeport about 25 miles from here. In Connecticut, there is community, but not as strong as I expected. The Eritreans, Ethiopian community … there is not a critical number.

So why did you pick New Haven?

I picked New Haven because when I came in 1995, my brother … used to live in North Haven. I used to live with my brother, that’s why I came here. Not by choice, just because …

Can you tell me a little bit about your family?

My wife, married in 1997, now we have three kids. The oldest is 16. The youngest is 10.

Do they have a strong cultural sense of being Ethiopian, or do you think they’ve become Americanized over the years?

Fortunately or unfortunately, my kids have Americanized. Unfortunately, they don’t speak my language; they don’t speak Amharic. Their way of thinking is more Americanized.

Did you try to teach them Amharic?

I tried, but it’s hard. I tried every measure possible, but they don’t speak my language … I really feel bad about it, in the sense that [it’s the] communication of culture. By speaking the language, you can communicate your culture.

Are your customers typically Ethiopan?

No. Most customers are American … as you know the population of Ethiopians in New Haven is not critical, very few.

Are you glad in the end that you came?

Absolutely. You know why I love America? You do your business. You pay your taxes. You follow the rules. Nobody bothers you.

Did you run into any difficulties along the way of obtaining your diversity visa?

Not at all.

How long did the process take?

Probably … Let’s say 6 months?

Did you have a job waiting for you?

No. I applied and got a job. No problem whatsoever.

And can you describe the moment when you found out you got the lottery?

I was very happy. And when I came I had no problem. It was smooth.

Where were you when you found out?

It’s surprising. A friend of mine applied for me. I didn’t know … then she gave me the form. So when I got it I was surprised. I was happy.

The Open For Business” series on WNHH-FM and in the Independent is made possible in part through support from Frontier Communications.

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