Communicating “Truth”: Testimonio, Vernacular Voices, and The Rigoberta Menchu Controversy

Authors: Avant-Mier, Roberto¹; Hasian, Marouf²

Source: The Communication Review, Volume 11, Number 4, October 2008 , pp. 323-345(23)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

In this essay, the authors explore some of the communicative dimensions of the Rigoberta Menchu controversy, engaging both the textual and contextual elements of this controversy. They first provide a brief review of the Menchu case and an analysis of the criticism by her principal detractor, David Stoll. The authors then analyze the unique role that testimonio plays in Latin American discursive constructions, as well as how other discursive communities responded to the Menchu-Stoll controversy. Finally, the authors comment on the discursive importance of the Menchu-Stoll controversy, and make a case for the heuristic value of testimonio in future investigations of Latin American work in communication studies.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/10714420802511192

Affiliations: 1: Department of Communication, Boston College, 2: Department of Communication, University of Utah,

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