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Title:Verbal Interaction of the Bongando in Central Zaire: With Special Reference to Their Addressee-Unspecified Loud Speech
Author:Kimura, DaijiISNI
Year:1989
Periodical:African Study Monographs
Volume:11
Issue:1
Pages:1-26
Language:English
Geographic term:Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Subjects:Ngandu (Democratic Republic of Congo)
oratory
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kiroku/asm_normal/abstracts/pdf/ASM%20%20Vol.11%20No.1%201990/Daiji%20KIMURA.pdf
Abstract:The Bongando are Bantu farmers in Central Zaire. This ethnic group is a branch of the Mongo cluster. They usually speak Longando, their native language. This article examines daily verbal interaction of the Bongando. Their speech forms are classified into four categories by two criteria: non-loud/loud, and addressee-unspecified/addressee-specified. Frequency of speeches in each category is measured by the time sampling method, and their contents are analysed. The focus is on 'addressee-unspecified loud speech' (AUL speech). This speech is uttered frequently, but completely differs from conversation in that 1) no 'organizing device' of usual conversation, such as the turn-taking system, is confirmed, and 2) it is not certain that the speech is actually heard by others, and the people usually maintain a 'ritual indifference' to the speech. By AUL speech, the Bongando manifest their own opinion, express complaints, and accomplish 'feelings of copresence'. The speaker utters AUL speech of his own accord, regardless of the listeners' circumstances. Even so, inconsistency between the speaker and listeners does not occur, because AUL speech is 'cast' from the speaker, and is not necessarily caught by others. In conclusion, the author discusses the important role of this 'castness' as a device which regulates the complicated web of social interaction among the Bongando. Fieldwork was conducted in 1986-1989. App., bibliogr., notes, ref.

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