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Tales, Tropes, and Transformations: The Performance of Gusaba no Gukwa in Rwanda

Lawson, Shannon L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1386338407

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Communication Studies (Communication).
Using methods from communication studies, performance studies, and anthropology to craft an ethnographic portrait of gusaba no gukwa, I explored the significance of gusaba no gukwa wedding ceremonies. I used an integrated qualitative research design that combines participant observation, in-depth interviews, and rhetorical analysis of themes, tropes, and forms. I attended thirty wedding ceremonies, thirteen of which were gusaba no gukwa ceremonies, conducted formal interviews with three wedding speakers, three married couples, a retired Methodist minister, a Kigali business woman, and I had numerous informal conversations with Rwandans about weddings. Through my exploration of the rhetorical performance of wedding speakers, who present an oral battle of wits designed to challenge and test the groom's family and their ability to remain cool under pressure and the tropes or ritual practices associated with key symbols of beer, cows, and milk, I demonstrate how strong ties of friendship and family are achieved through powerful communicative acts that present daily reminders of social bonds. In the Rwandan context, gusaba no gukwa transforms youth into adults, creates bonds between families, and unifies communities, while simultaneously transforming a single story of Rwanda's genocide into many stories about Rwandese creativity, resilience, and joy.
Judith Lee (Committee Co-Chair)
Devika Chawla (Committee Co-Chair)
JW Smith (Committee Member)
Stephen Howard (Committee Member)
260 p.
African Studies; Communication; Sub Saharan Africa Studies
Rwanda; gusaba no gukwa; communication; wedding; ceremony; ritual; rhetorical performance; tales; transformations

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lawson, S. L. (2013). Tales, Tropes, and Transformations: The Performance of Gusaba no Gukwa in Rwanda [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1386338407

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lawson, Shannon. Tales, Tropes, and Transformations: The Performance of Gusaba no Gukwa in Rwanda. 2013. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1386338407.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lawson, Shannon. "Tales, Tropes, and Transformations: The Performance of Gusaba no Gukwa in Rwanda." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1386338407

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1386338407
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.