Bisisimi or the language of the wise

Abstract

Some speakers of Teke (a Bantu language spoken in the Congo) use a kind of linguistic virtuosity called Bisisimi which is entirely based on a competitive use of chanted proverbs. In this article I attempt to define the term Bisisimi, to discuss the specific social gatherings in which these chants occur, and the social functions which they serve. It is pointed out that their use implies the involvement of two competing sides in which group membership depends largely on the participants' social relationships and activities. Finally, I focus on the major linguistic features of Bisisimi which depart strikingly from everyday Teke.