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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Communication for 'Negotiation' among the Turkana
Author:Kitamura, Koji
Year:1997
Periodical:African Study Monographs
Volume:18
Issue:3-4
Pages:241-256
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:individualization
Turkana
indigenous communication systems
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kiroku/asm_normal/abstracts/pdf/18-3&4/18-3&4%20241-256.pdf
Abstract:The Turkana, pastoralists in northern Kenya, whom the author has studied since 1986, have a strong tendency to regard any social interaction as negotiable. Negotiation is directly related to activities in which each individual attempts to secure his own benefit as well as to come to an agreement with others. Among the Turkana, this kind of social interaction is always conducted within the framework of 'bodily communication'. The Turkana cope with the difficulties of arriving at a mutual agreement by adhering to the principle of sustaining a 'cooperative present', while at the same time employing various tactics to secure their own advantage. By focusing on the 'cooperative present', the persons engaged in the communication forego any possibility of deciding on a negative outcome. After initiating a negotiation, some form of positive relationship must be realized sooner or later. This includes the option of prolonging the negotiation indefinitely. The Turkana never intend to come to an agreement by referring to an outside standard of justice. Rather, they attempt to establish a standard of justice guided by 'my' activeness, thereby effectively producing a state representing 'my' justice inside the communication. Bibliogr., sum.
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