Ritual Communication

This insightful exploration of communication reveals how rituals shape meaning in various contexts, including everyday interactions and cultural practices. Ritual Communication highlights the importance of these expressions.

In Ritual Communication, the author delves into the intricate ways individuals create and convey meaning through both verbal and non-verbal rituals. This exploration extends far beyond the realm of collective religious practices, highlighting how ritual communication is woven into the fabric of everyday life. From casual interactions to significant ceremonies, theatrical performances, shamanic chants, political demonstrations, and rites of passage, the book emphasizes the omnipresence of ritual in human experience.

The text argues that while rituals may often appear formulaic and repetitive, they foster a highly participative environment that is deeply personal for those involved. The author illustrates how the context of time and space, the physical body, and individual language ideologies influence the shaping of rituals. Moreover, it examines how local aesthetics and the relationships among participants contribute to the unique expression of meaning in each ritualistic event.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of contemporary cultures across Africa, America, Asia, and the Pacific, Ritual Communication offers a diverse perspective that is invaluable for students and scholars in anthropology, sociology, and sociolinguistics. The book serves not only as an academic resource but also as an invitation to recognize the significance of ritual in our daily lives.