“To Build a Beautiful Dialogue”: Capoeira as Contradiction

Abstract

This essay examines capoeira—the dynamic dance-fight-game of African-Brazilian origins—as a metaphor for dialogue, using the lens of co-cultural communication theory. After situating dialogue itself as constituted through contradiction and paradox, the author constructs an approach grounded in text, literature, and personal experience to identify five specific contradictions in capoeira. These are opening-closing, equality-hierarchy, inclusion-exclusion, intersubjectivity-subjugation, and present-past. These contradictions are explored for their relevance to intercultural dialogue among co-cultural communication groups. Implications and further directions for study are discussed.

Keywords:

• Capoeira
• Contradiction
• Co-Cultural Communication Theory
• Intercultural Dialogue

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to express immense gratitude to Contra-Mestre Zumbi, of Capoeira Senzala Uberaba, for the joys of the journey. Axé.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janet MacLennan

Janet MacLennan is Associate Professor, teaching within the Major in Linguistics and Communication of the Department of English (Humanities) at the University of Puerto Rico