Ameka, Felix K. (2009). Access rituals in West African communities: An ethnopragmatic perspective. In Gunther Senft, & Ellen B. Basso (Eds.), Ritual communication (pp. 127-151). New York: Berg.
This chapter outlines different types of encounters that may occur between interlocutors in West Africa. Next, a particular type of encounter – a social visit – is described, its constitutive factors are drawn out and the linguistic routines that may be used in such situations are elucidated. A variety of conventional opening acts for negotiating interaction are studied next, and it is argued that “greetings” are but a subcomponent of openings. It is claimed that the enactment of well-being inquiries is an avenue for displaying cultural values such as inclusiveness and harmony in West African communities, and it is shown that expectations about the questions vary cross-culturally. Finally, attention is paid to changes due to cultural contact in the norms associated with greeting behavior in West Africa. The paper concludes with some reflections on the relationship between access routines and ritual communication.
Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners
