Malagasy rhetoric and preaching : Kabary-communication: To be embraced or rejected?

Abstract

The article presents and discusses why two researchers seem to draw opposite conclusions regarding the usefulness of the Malagasy rhetoric art form of kabary for Christian preaching. The problem is stated as an investigation of whether and how kabary-communication may assist preaching in Madagascar. A description of the basic characteristics of kabary is furnished, the historical origins of the conflict and some of the tacit presuppositions underlying it are made explicit. The article concludes by asserting that it is not an issue to substitute the sermon by the kabary-institution as such. Nevertheless, communication aspects inherent in kabary are valuable contributions to preaching in Madagascar and even as a reminder for the universal Christian church.