article

The bilingual kin terminology of the Bena

Journal of African languages • 7 • Published In 1968 • Pages: 41-57

By: Swartz, Marc J..

Abstract
This is a comprehensive account of Bena kinship terminology, which includes terms in both Swahili and Kibena languages. Swahili and Kibena terms are not isomorphic. Swartz argues that the hierarchcial nature of Bena society is reflected in the Kibena terms, whereas the Swahili terms are used for relationships that emphasize equality and mutuality. For example Kibena terms differentiate between relative age of cross-sex siblings whereas the Swahili terms do not. Swartz attributes the adoption of Swahili terms in this instance to the decline in importance of the mediating role of older siblings and the material ties associated with the giving and receiving of bridewealth.
Subjects
Speech
Kinship terminology
Kin relationships
culture
Bena
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1962-1965
Coverage Date
1962-1965
Coverage Place
Iringa and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania
Notes
Marc J. Swartz
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
64002556
LCSH
Bena (African people)