Tribal Literature, Theology and Methodology: Reading Folklore for Developing Tribal Theological Hermeneutics and Literary Criticism

1. What is Tribal Literature?
2. The Need of Tribal Research Methodology
3. Methodology

Chapter 1: Research Methodology I: Mythology

Introduction

1.1. Meanings of Myth and Mythology
1.2. Origin of Myths
1.3. Types of Myth
1.4. Functions of Myth
1.5. Theories of Myth

Conclusion

Chapter 2: Research Methodology II: Hermeneutics

Introduction

2.1. Meanings of Hermeneutics
2.2. The Four Components of Hermeneutical Enterprises
2.3. Historical Aspects of Hermeneutics
2.4. Modern Hermeneutics Since the Enlightenment

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Socio-Historical Background of the Liangmai Community and Folklore

Introduction

3.1. Preliminary Remark on Sources
3.2. The Liangmai
3.3. Theories on the Origin of the Liangmai
3.4. Migration and Settlements
3.5. Mountain Civilizations
3.6. Social Structures
3.7. Dithincheng (Polity)
3.8. Characheng (Primal Religion)
3.9. Talung Jai (Culture)
3.10. Khiulan Jai (Economy)
3.11. Kati-Tasi Cheng (Education)
3.12. Eco-Consciousness
3.13. Pre-Christian Background of the Liangmai Religion
3.14. Encounter with Colonialism, Christianity, and Modernity

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Interpretation and Analysis of Liangmai-Naga Traditional Myths

Introduction

4.1. Mapping the Liangmai-Naga Traditional Myths
4.2. Impacts of Christianity and Modernity on Traditional Myths
4.3. Contemporary Liangmai-Naga Understanding of Myths
4.4. Certain Presuppositions in the Reading of Myths
4.5. Tingkadipiri Dambo Mari (Creation Myth)
4.6. Chamai Lungkiu Karaibo Mari (Myth of the Early Civilization)
4.7. Charawang Nai Pasingnamai Mari (Myth of Charawang and His Brothers)
4.8. Mang Jouhubo Mari (Myth of the Feast of Merit of Mang)

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Hermeneutics of Community: Towards a Tribal Literary Criticism and Research Methodology

Introduction

5.1. Significance of the Traditional Myths
5.2. Myths as a Source of Episteme and Theology
5.3. The Need for a New Hermeneutics of Culture and Theology
5.4. Towards a Holistic Hermeneutical Enterprise
5.5. Hermeneutics of Community