Exploring the Talanoa Method: Indigenous Conversations and Culture

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3.6.3 Conversational "talanoa" method Conversational "sautalaga" method permits the indigenous to unreservedly communicate, their way of life, their social method for living and doing things, their state of mind and spiritual upbringing. Ansel Adams elucidates it obviously in his quote, "No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit". It is more orally and an interactive conversation as Vaoleti (2006) describes it as a "personal encounter where people story their issues, their realities and aspirations" (Vaioleti, 2006). This permitted the full interest of the indigenous populace …show more content…

With permission sought, greetings or "fakatalofaaga " is culturally appropriate to initiate the formal interaction between the researcher and the participant. This was carried out with honour and respect to establish a relationship between the participant and the researcher. Once a common ground is sought, the "sautalaga" environment becomes more comfortable and a more flexible way of conversation. Establishment of a relationship often links with the identification of any family ties or any other cultural common grounds. This often kick starts the "sautalaga" and gaining the confidence of the participant in releasing …show more content…

In a conventional Tuvaluan setting, ladies or young ladies are denied to wear shorts or improper dressing rather fitting clothing is constantly prescribed. Additionally, when drawing nearer indigenous individuals the medium of conversation used should always be the native language and it was observed at all times and all documented used to prompt the "sautalaga" session were deciphered or localised. Koya (2010) spot solid accentuation on the use of appropriate language to maintain a comfortable connection and a free flow in either formal or casual discussions between the researcher and the participant. Nabobo-Baba (2008) likewise focused on the criticalness of language in understanding, evaluating and verifying indigenous ideas. Exchange of gifts is often a traditional protocol that implies thankfulness for the assistance rendered by all means. In traditional settings, often endowments are of customary artifiacts acquainted to government authorities or any assistance got by the communities such as mats, fans and so forth. For the purpose of the study, the researcher also observed the above tradition however endowments were sulu presented to all the local member in the "sautalaga" as a token of gratefulness for their significant data shared and their time. State cultural manner in Tuvalu- to be

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