Literacy and feelings: The encoding of affect in Nukulaelae letters

The primäry purpose of literacy production on Nukulaelae Atoll (Central Pacific) is to write letters. Nukulaelae letters are sent to relatives on neighboring atolls, and serve a variety offunctions: monitoring economic reciprocity; informing kin of family events; and admonishing younger people. Permeating every aspect of letters is a heavy emphasis on the overt expression of affect, of a nature notfound in any other arena of Nukulaelae social life. This paper describes the way in which affect is encoded in the text of these letters, and shows how the topics addressed in letters are emically defined äs affectively charged. A content and historical-ethnographic analysis of letter-writing on the atoll indicates that letters have been defined äs cathartic events from the very introduction of literacy. It is suggested that the metaphorical affiliation of letter-writing with parting is in large pari responsihle for letters having become qffect-display context. This case study challenged traditional views that Dritten communication is universally less affective than spoken communication. Tapauta, Sept. 13, 1897 To Mrs. David, the lady,— My love to you! alas my mother! The thought weeps when I think of you, together with the others, because of your kindness to me. Alas for my love! Dear, oh dear, my heart is füll of love, but it is difficult because I cannot speak; but I thought I would try and send this small piece of paper to make known to you my love. Alas my mother! my love is very great, and it is difficult and hard because we shall be so soon parted. Grief continues to grow in my heart when I think of the days we were together in Funafuti. Alas! I do not forget them and you all. I feel I want to be still with you. It is hard that we have been so soon parted on shore. May you return with blessing to your home. This love of mine has nothing with which to make itself known, but I have striven to make appear before you that which was hidden, namely, my love to you. Alas, my parents, love is difficult. 01655-4888/89/0009-0069 $2.00 Text 9 (l) (1989), pp. 69-91 © Mouton de Gruyter