Caste and communication in a Wolof village

Irvine Judith T.

Book

Caste and communication in a Wolof village

University Microfilms • Ann Arbor, Michigan • Published In 1974 • Pages:

By: Irvine Judith T..

Abstract
The purpose of this community study is ' … to describe a culture in such a way as to integrate the consideration of language and social structure through a focus of interaction' (p. xxxviii). The study consists of primary data on caste stereotypes and the degree to which reality approximates the stereotypes. Particular emphasis is given to stereotypes of speech behavior and the manipulation of speech events by the GRIOTs in their competition for power and influence. The author concludes that the basic premise of the wealth of the nobility and corresponding poverty of the lower castes is undermined by the 'system' i.e. patronage. In addition, there are data on inter- and intra-caste ranking.

Theoretical orientation in research and its results

Classes

Community structure

Territorial hierarchy

Slavery

Status, role, and prestige

Standard of living

Avuncular and nepotic relatives

Wolof

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region