Landscapes and Destinies of Maurice Leenhardt
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Michel Naepels,Christine Salomon, (dirs.) Terrains et destins de Maurice Leenhardt
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Subtitle: Paris, EHESS Éditions, coll. «Cahiers de l’Homme», 2007, 165 p.
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Gwendoline Malogne-Fer
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Michel Naepels,Christine Salomon, (dirs.) Terrains et destins de Maurice Leenhardt
Year: 2010 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.22519
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The collective work directed by Michel Naepels and Christine Salomon, titled Terrains et destins de Maurice Leenhardt, aims to revisit the contributions of Maurice Leenhardt (1878-1954), who was both a Protestant missionary and an ethnologist in New Caledonia. The book comprises six contributions that provide a historical overview of Leenhardt's journey and explore the context of his ethnographic work. It addresses the production of ethnographic knowledge within the colonial framework and examines the intersections of colonization, missions, and anthropology.
The Missionary Influence on Ethnographic Work
One significant concept explored in the book is the influence of Leenhardt's status as a missionary on his ethnographic methodology. Naepels argues that the centrality of Bible translation in Leenhardt's missionary work shaped his ethnographic interpretations, especially regarding Kanak subjectivity and identity. Leenhardt's emphasis on linguistic analysis as a reflection of mentalities led to somewhat misguided conclusions about Kanak consciousness. The dialogue between Leenhardt and one of his students, Bwêêyöuu E¨drijiyi, illustrates this issue, highlighting a theological framing of their discussions rather than an ethnological one. This interplay between mission and ethnology points to the complexities of knowledge production in colonial contexts and raises questions about the representation and agency of the Kanak people in Leenhardt's work.
Conclusion
In sum, Terrains et destins de Maurice Leenhardt sheds light on the intricate relationship between missionary work and ethnological research as practiced by Leenhardt. The book underscores the process of invisibilization regarding his missionary engagements and the broader exclusion of Christianity from anthropological studies in Oceania. This omission reflects a trend within the discipline to overlook the influence of colonial relationships on ethnographic production, as Leenhardt's missionary identity became obscured amidst the institutionalization of ethnology. The work ultimately invites further reflection on how these dynamics continue to shape the understanding of cultural encounters in colonial contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the book 'Terrains et destins de Maurice Leenhardt'?
The book explores Maurice Leenhardt's life as a missionary and ethnologist, analyzing his contributions to ethnographic knowledge in colonial contexts and the interplay between colonization, mission work, and anthropology.
How did Maurice Leenhardt's missionary work influence his ethnographic research?
Leenhardt's status as a missionary shaped his ethnographic approach, emphasizing linguistic interpretations and often leading to misunderstandings of Kanak subjectivity, as he prioritized theological concepts over ethnological insights in his studies.
What is the significance of the dialogue between Leenhardt and Bwêêyöuu E¨drijiyi?
This dialogue highlights the complexities of cultural exchange, revealing how missionary concepts of 'body' and 'spirit' did not align with Kanak understandings, ultimately illustrating the challenges in conducting culturally sensitive ethnographic research.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Landscapes and Destinies of Maurice Leenhardt�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Dialogue:
In the context of Maurice Leenhardt's work, 'dialogue' refers to the interaction between the missionary and the local Kanak people, revealing insights into their cultural understandings and beliefs. This dialogue underscores how ethnographic understanding can emerge from collaborative exchanges rather than solely from outside perspectives.
2) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: #Paris#]
3) Discipline:
The term 'discipline' relates to the formalization of ethnology as a scientific field during the interwar period, shaping how knowledge is produced and recognized in academia. Leenhardt’s transition from missionary to ethnologist reflects the emerging norms of this new discipline.
4) Religion:
The exploration of 'religion' in Leenhardt's work highlights the profound influence of Protestant missionary activities on the Kanak culture. The intersection of religion and anthropology illustrates how the Christianization process can shape indigenous identities, yet often remains overlooked in academic studies.
5) Consciousness:
Leenhardt’s analysis of Kanak subjectivity reveals a complex relationship with 'consciousness,' wherein his interpretations sought to explain local perceptions but may inadvertently reduce the understanding of identity. This topic emphasizes the need for deeper reflection on how cultural context influences self-awareness.
6) Science (Scientific):
The term 'scientific' pertains to the methods and approaches used by ethnologists like Leenhardt in their research. This scientific alignment propelled the transition from missionary practices to a more structured and empirical examination of cultures, impacting how knowledge is shared and debated within the field.
7) Knowledge:
The creation of 'knowledge' in ethnology involves synthesizing information from field experiences and scholarly frameworks. Leenhardt's work illustrates how ethnographic knowledge can evolve through interactions with indigenous peoples, challenging preconceived narratives shaped by colonial dominance.
8) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
The word 'transformation' signifies the shift in Leenhardt's role from a missionary to an ethnologist, reflecting broader changes in how anthropological knowledge is produced in colonial contexts. This transformation raises questions about the implications of such shifts on representations of indigenous cultures.
9) Individuality:
Leenhardt's discussions on 'individuality' emphasize how cultural frameworks inform self-perception within the Kanak community. His interpretations highlight the complexities of identity formation, suggesting that individuality cannot be fully understood without considering sociocultural contexts.
10) Recognition:
'Recognition' in this context refers to the acknowledgment of Leenhardt's contributions to anthropology while also examining how his missionary background has been marginalized within the discipline. The dynamics surrounding recognition affect the way ethnographic narratives are constructed and valued.
11) Discussion:
'Discussion' plays a vital role in the academic discourse around Leenhardt's ideas, as it allows for diverse interpretations of ethnographic data. This ongoing dialogue fosters critical awareness of the complexities involved in colonial and missionary frameworks in anthropology.
12) Literature:
The term 'literature' in the context of this text refers to the body of scholarly work surrounding Maurice Leenhardt's contributions. This literature critically evaluates the intersections of colonialism and ethnography, contributing to a nuanced understanding of his legacy.
13) Reflection:
'Reflection' in this work involves a careful reconsideration of ethnographic practices and the influences of colonialism on knowledge production. Leenhardt's writings prompt anthropologists to engage in reflective practices that question established norms and assumptions.
14) Experience:
'Experience' is integral to understanding Leenhardt's ethnographic approach, as his long periods in New Caledonia provided foundational insights into Kanak culture. This emphasis on lived experience challenges traditional academic detachment and suggests a more embodied approach to anthropology.
15) Dimension:
'Dimension' refers to the multifaceted nature of Leenhardt’s studies, including linguistic, cultural, and theological aspects. Recognizing these dimensions is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Kanak subjectivity and the impact of missionary influence on indigenous thought.
16) Existence:
'Existence' in relation to Kanak culture is a central theme in Leenhardt’s work, exploring how local worldviews inform their understanding of being. This examination sheds light on the significance of existence within both social and religious contexts.
17) Creation:
'Creation' pertains to the development of ethnographic narratives and the role of indigenous voices in shaping these stories. Leenhardt’s collaborative approach marks a significant shift towards recognizing the co-creation of knowledge within anthropology.
18) Language:
Language serves as a pivotal medium through which Leenhardt sought to understand Kanak culture. His focus on linguistic structures underlines the vital role that language plays in shaping thought patterns and cultural expressions within communities.
19) Grammar:
'Grammar' reflects Leenhardt's analytical emphasis on the structural aspects of Kanak languages. His interpretations suggest that understanding grammatical nuances is essential for grasping the cultural subtleties embedded in the language and, consequently, the people's worldview.
20) Student:
'Student' references the individuals, like Bwêêyöuu E¨drijiyi, who engaged with Leenhardt's teachings, contributing to the dialogue about Kanak perspectives. Their involvement emphasizes the role of education in the transmission and reinterpretation of cultural knowledge.
21) Desire:
'Desire' in this context can reflect the aspirations of both the anthropologist and the indigenous community in searching for understanding and recognition. It accentuates the motivations underlying the interactions that shape ethnographic narratives.
22) Sex (Sexual):
'Sexual' dimensions are explored through Leenhardt’s theological discussions about the body, revealing how concepts of physicality intersect with cultural beliefs. This exploration complicates the understanding of identity and corporeality within Kanak culture.
23) Future:
'Future' in terms of ethnological practices invites speculation on how the ongoing dialogues and scholarly engagements will shape the direction of anthropological research. It emphasizes the need to consider contemporary implications of historical narratives.
24) Roman (Roma):
The 'Roman' refers to the New Testament translations that impacted Leenhardt’s understanding of bodily existence within the Kanak context. These theological texts influenced his interpretations and highlighted the interplay between cultural and religious frameworks.
25) Flesh:
The term 'flesh' arises in discussions of the body from a theological perspective, illustrating how missionary interpretations frame indigenous experiences of corporeality. This notion complicates the understanding of identity and suggests that cultural dimensions deeply intertwine with religious beliefs.