What is it about?
In this study, researchers explore a unique cultural practice in New Caledonia called "la coutume." This practice has been essential in building stable communities throughout history. The researchers focus on a specific word, "bwénaado," in the Cèmuhî language, spoken by a group of Kanak people in New Caledonia. Despite its cultural importance, "bwénaado" has not been studied in detail before. The researchers analyse the word and find that it has three main meanings: 'large-scale customary celebration,' 'customary ceremony,' and 'customary gift.' These meanings reflect important cultural values within the Kanak community. The study uses a specific linguistic approach, called Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM), to achieve a deeper understanding of the meaning of this unique cultural practice.
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Why is it important?
Studying and understanding specific words and cultural practices, such as "bwénaado," helps in preserving the unique cultural heritage of communities, such as the Cèmuhî speakers in New Caledonia. It fosters cross-cultural understanding by delving into the nuances of social exchange systems and ceremonies, providing insights into the ways communities interact and maintain relationships.
Perspectives
This book chapter is based on collaborative efforts over several years with Cèmuhî speakers and other Kanak people in New Caledonia.
Dr Margo Van Poucke
Macquarie University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Bwénaado: An Ethnolexicological Study of a Culturally Salient Word in Cèmuhî (New Caledonia), October 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9975-7_7.
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