Chapter 16
On politeness and taboo among the Zande
Azande living in rural areas have to obey many rules of
behavior, many of which are determined by politeness or are rules determined
by taboos, which are often interrelated. Politeness rules concern behavior
towards other people, and they depend on age, social hierarchy and
in-law-relationships. If these rules are disrespected, offenses can be
corrected. Taboos, however, are absolute prohibitions with regard to certain
persons, places or phenomena, which are complied with by everybody. Neglect
of taboos may lead to sanctions which cannot be undone, such as hair turning
red or the body becoming uncontrollably obese. The impact of taboos is
stronger than that of politeness rules.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Zande politeness
- 2.1Hierarchical politeness
- 2.2Non-hierarchical politeness
- 2.3Avoidance-based politeness
- 3.Taboos
- 3.1Food taboos
- 3.2Taboos in initiation camps
- 3.3Taboos concerning the oracle
- 3.4Taboos concerning sexuality
- 4.Conclusions
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Notes
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Abbreviations
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References