Rhetoric and Culture in Non-European Societies

Abstract

This contribution discusses the relationship between rhetoric and culture as it is conceptualized in Non-European cultures. First, a short outline of the history of rhetorical concepts in the occidental tradition is provided. Then, narrow and broad conceptions of rhetoric will be examined. Broad notions of rhetoric as defended in the Attic State, the Roman Republic, the Renaissance and the Baroque as well as in Post-Modernism and its predecessors are mainly grounded (1) in a democratic political organization based on debates and (2) in a profound scepticism concerning cosmological and ideological certainties. Subsequently, these findings are compared to Non-European notions of rhetoric as conceptualized among New-Caledonians, Native Americans, !Kung bushmen and peoples of the South Seas. This comparison reveals two further conditions, which favor a wide notion of rhetoric: (3) a certain degree of social interdependence (i. e. the fact that conflicts may not be resolved by fission) and (4) social prestige connected to skilful rhetoric (along with its main effect, social prominence) and, possibly, a number of available (i. e. not bequeathed) yet limited social positions talented, ambitious and eloquent individuals might qualify for.