INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION IN PENTECOSTAL MEETINGS.

The descriptive---and analytical literature on pentecost includes a number of accounts by pentecostals: these consist for the most part of interpretations of history written within a fundamentalist perspective, by which phenomena are recorded as operations of the Holy Spirit, often in fulfillment of prophecy.[1] Standard works of a more scholarly nature include those by Wilson, Calley and Hollenweger: these are principally occupied with the history, theology and social ethics of pentecostals.[2] Interactional studies within pentecostal assemblies include Wilson, and Walker and Atherton.[3] Several sociological studies have been conducted of the functions of performance in glossolalia;[4] examinations of performances by pentecostals in their mother-tongues are, however, scarce: this paper is a contribution towards such literature.[5]
The purpose of the study which this paper reports was to survey the schemes within which interpersonal relations are developed in pentecostal assemblies. Particular attention is given below to the indirectness of interpersonal communication and to taboos affecting the expression of sympathy and appreciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]