FIJIAN WOMEN AS ORATORS: EXCEPTIONS TO “TRADITION”?: THERESA KOROIVULAONO INTERVIEWED BY CAROLINE SINAVAIANA AND J. KĒHAULANI KAUANUI

Authors

Caroline Sinavaiana, University of Hawai‘i at Ma ̄noaFollow
J. Kehaulani KauanuiFollow

Abstract

This interview examines the position of Fijian women through the structures of formulaic, ceremonial, oral narratives that provide the framework within which Fijian rituals and customs are enacted. A specific ceremony, the Kau Ni Matani Gone, which marks a person’s first visit to her/his mother’s or father’s village, informs the discussion on changing gender constructs. Research included fieldwork in Fiji and involved both the examination of written history and conducting interviews to collect information on Fijian oral traditions and history. Examining the position of Fijian women in modern society with recourse to traditional elements that have defined their identity provides the basis for gender constructs that more accurately reflect contemporary patterns and roles.

Recommended Citation

Sinavaiana, Caroline and Kauanui, J. Kehaulani (2007) "FIJIAN WOMEN AS ORATORS: EXCEPTIONS TO “TRADITION”?: THERESA KOROIVULAONO INTERVIEWED BY CAROLINE SINAVAIANA AND J. KĒHAULANI KAUANUI," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 30: No. 1, Article 33.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol30/iss1/33