Conflict Discourse among Sudanese Dinka Refugees: Implications for Cross-Cultural Analysis and Resolution

This 1-year ethnographic research, situated in a conflict, social construction, and social ecological theoretical framework, utilized the Hymes’ S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G. model and field notes to document the verbal and nonverbal conflict discourse, as well as the presence of Dinka cultural attributes, within four specific social contexts: home, church, community meetings, and memorial services. Emerging themes included Speaking “Like a Dinka,” Dinka women and role conflict, tribalism and ethnic conflict, Dinka and economic hardship, and Dinka and face behaviors. Discussion includes the practical impact of this research on an interpersonal, organizational, community, and intercultural level for conflict analysis and resolution professionals. We have the memory of yesterday. We have the reality of today and we hold the hope of tomorrow. (Sudanese Dinka Elder, Jacksonville, Florida)