Oratory in Akan Society, Article Review Example

The importance of skilled speech to Akans is stated. Their collective idea that oratorical fluency is open to all is illustrated with a folktale demonstrating how this skill came into being.

Naming Ritual

The 8-day naming ritual is described, with the importance of the role of water drops on the tongue as signifying the start of skillful and honest speech. A quote from the ritual is given. How skillful a child is with speech is stated as a hopeful sign that it will become a kyeame.

Eloquence

A proverb equating dry lips with eloquence, and wet ones with a lack of same, is given as illustrating the importance of the power of speech to Akans. Clan Myth states that oratory is considered to naturally to one of eight clans, the anona/agona clan. It parrot totem is described.

Power of the Word

It is given that unusual reticence and silence in a critical situation is “abhorred” by the Akan because speech can resolve a crises where silence may worsen it. The power of words may invoke the presence of someone, and this is stated as fostering ntam, a powerful taboo.

Indirection

The use of various verbal strategies of circumlocution are related, with examples given. The avoidance of eye-contact as a part of this pattern is stated and described. Indirection can be used in making a request and making a reproof. It is further stated that the Akan’s predilection for avoidance is not conditional, and that they can favor direct speech when necessary.

Formal Oratory

The opportunities for both informal and formal oratory is given. The vocabulary found in informal settings is given in multiple examples. Devices Used in Formal Oratory. The qualities of formal speech and its oratorical devices are described. Politeness Devices gives the vocabulary of formal devices in greater detail, including titles, appellations, honorifics, and certain suffixes appended to greetings, and expressions of thanks. Tropes, metaphors, proverbs and ornate expression abound. Metaphor/Proverbs summarizes their use, particularly in good public speech, and some vocabulary is given. Metacommunication is defined by example, with vocabulary. Its importance to an ?kyeame in maintaining formal speech is stated and exampled. It is further stated that metacommunication devices can be used to mute or emphasize protests.

Amannee (Telling A Mission)

Amannee is defined by the description of a typical house and its parlor, and how it is used (as when visitors tell of their “mission” while visiting in them). The practical and ritual use of the parlor and its contextual speech is described. An exampling proverbial speech is provided, and it is noted that even private speech will retain formal qualities in such situations.

Communication Functionaries

It is stated that “elders’ speech” is best expressed within the public domain, although everyone has the power of public speech. It is assayed that the cultural system itself supports this thesis. Sociopolitical Systems describes the Akan culture. Three central groups are proposed: lineage, state, and gods, with vocabulary cited. These groups are then broken down into subgroups, each with their own chieftain, or elder. It is described how each of these functionaries has his own ?kyeame. It is given that the use of intermediaries is ingrained in Akan society to its general benefit, given the lack of lawyers and judicial advocates, and that this requires excellent public speaking skills. A description is given of this cultural trait, and is discussed at length in the legal world, with a legal pleading/prosecuting speech given. The chieftains’ relationships and their use of formal and informal oratory is described, with vocabulary, photos, proverbs, and speeches.