essay

SANZA, a characteristic feature of Zande language and thought

Essays in social anthropologyLondon • Published In 1962 • Pages: 204-228

By: Evans-Pritchard, E. E. (Edward Evan).

Abstract
Enlarging upon the findings from his book 'Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande,' Evans-Pritchard elucidates in some depth the semantic and social significance of a speech pattern correlating with those interpersonal relationships where latent hostility, suspicion, or distrust are built-in. Whenever there is potential strain or conflict between kin and non-kin, conversational patterns may often fall into the SANZA category. SANZA is a circumlocutory form of speech or action in which words and gestures have hidden meanings different in quality from their manifest meanings. Individuals will thus conceal their malicious, derisive, contemptuous intent toward others by speaking with sarcasm, irony, innuendo, or in a joking or allegorical style. To the listener the speech appears emotionally neutral, but to the speaker it is a compensatory release or outlet for his anger or ill-will toward someone. SANZA thought, which is seen even in proverbs, folk myths, a humor, etc. relates closely to the witchcraft theme in Zande philosophy; and both patterns, according the author, may derive from the sharply authoritarian or hierarchical nature of Azande social structure which limits free or open expression of emotions toward others.
Subjects
Vocabulary
Sociolinguistics
Semantics
Gestures and signs
Literature
Literary texts
culture
Azande
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Central Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Social Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Gilbert Winer ; Robert O. Lagacé ; 1968-1969
Field Date
1926-1930
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Central African Republic; Africa
Notes
E. E. Evans-Pritchard
Because of the complexity and varied connotations and uses of the concept of SANZA, it was not possible to index the relevant passages for a single OCM category, or even a pair of categories. Category 195 was selected as the predominant category, but categories 192, 196, 201, 538, or 539 are also used depending on the context.
LCSH
Zande (African people)