The Power of Ethnocultural and Ethnolinguistic Codes for Social Change

Abstract

Ethnocultural and ethnolinguistic codes have historically shaped and sustained social relationships, guiding collective behavior and actions. One notable example is the blood feud, traditionally governed by canonical acts. In modern societies, there is an ongoing challenge to shift the entrenched concept of "manhood" — from the belief rooted in the canon that "a man avenges blood" to a contemporary ethos asserting that "a man forgives blood feuds." This study investigates the transformative role of Anton Çetta, a distinguished intellectual from Kosovo, who leveraged ethnocultural and ethnolinguistic codes to drive social change. It examines how Çetta’s cultural and intellectual foundations as an author and scholar intersected with his mission-driven work, ultimately establishing him as a symbol of human rights. The central research question guiding this study is: How did Anton Çetta attain the status of the "wise old man," whose authority facilitated the resolution of blood feuds and fostered reconciliation? The paper explores Çetta’s role in the blood feud reconciliation movement in Kosovo, focusing on three core factors that underpinned his success: (i) his leadership qualities, (ii) his strategic deployment of cultural archetypes, and (iii) his effective use of ethnographic speech codes through storytelling. The findings reveal that Çetta’s intellectual impact propelled an emancipatory and civilizing mission by activating deeply embedded archetypes and ethnolinguistic codes within the collective consciousness. His approach redefined traditional behaviors, fostering new social patterns centered on collective dignity. Ultimately, this study aims to draw generalizable insights from Çetta’s work, highlighting how his intellectual and ethnographic strategies transcended the individual and contributed to broader societal transformation.

Received: 30 December 2024 / Accepted: 26 February 2025 / Published: 06 March 2025