All languages have a range of terms and expressions people use to swear themselves out of (or into) conflict.

The following video gives an example of the type of insults the Akele have at their disposal. Just for the sake of it, a woman serves us a “sweet” illustration of what she might say in different situations (adultery, lack of respect…) to the different people involved (cheating husband, rival, naughty child…).

And she really lets it all out: unflattering comparisons to animals, insistence on particular physical features, mentions of genitals, excrements… Kids, hands over your ears please!

Insults in Akele

Linguist: Jean-Marie Hombert
Camera and sound: Luc-Henri Fage
Translation: Hugues Awanhet
Editing : Caroline Laurent