In this book Ian Dicks informs the reader about the ways in which the
Yawo of Malawi view the world. The Yawo are predominantly Muslim, yet
many maintain strong links with their traditional religion. They are a
largely oral society, teaching and reinforcing their beliefs and
practices using oral literature, which includes myths, proverbs,
proverbial stories, songs of advice and prayers at various stages of the
life cycle, particularly during initiation events. Ian Dicks describes
in detail the Yawo's material world, customs, beliefs and rituals, and
juxtaposes these with Yawo oral literature. He then examines them under
six worldview categories, the result being a rich description of the way
in which the Yawo see the world. This book is not an armchair study but
has the feel of being written by an eyewitness, by someone who has had
first-hand experience of the subject and who seeks to describe this in a
manner which is sensitive to the Yawo and their culture.