article
A public sphere in Amazonia?: the depersonalized collaborative construction of discourse in Xavante
American ethnologist • 20 (4) • Published In 1993 • Pages: 717-741
By: Graham, Laura R..
Abstract
This article discusses language use in men's council meetings (warã), highlighting distinct features of Xavante discursive practices. Unlike Western societies in which the individual acts as an autonomous political agent, the locus of political activity in Xavante society lies in the relationships between individuals established in multiple social situations. Consequently, Xavante oratory is detached from the interests of individual speakers; instead, they are primarily directed at promoting collectivity and an egalitarian ethos by counteracting factionalism and individualism. Examples are given of discourse that nevertheless recreates and reinforces age- and gender-based relations of dominance.
- Region
- South America
- Sub Region
- Eastern South America
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Anthropologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Teferi Abate Adem; 2015
- Field Date
- 1981-1987
- Coverage Date
- 1981-1987
- Coverage Place
- eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Notes
- Laura Graham
- Includes bibliographical references (p.738-741)
- LCCN
- 74644326
- LCSH
- Xavante Indians