ABSTRACT
The oral art of the Abkhazian people i s multi-layered. Historically its character was polyfunctional. As with works of so-called pure art, stylised speech, which had a utilitarian significance, was practised on a wide sca le . In particular, the art of oratory, which occupies a considerable place in the traditional culture of the Abkhazians, testifies to a special admiration for the word. Putting it another way, it is not only the thought and meaning of what was said which the Abkhazians valued but how colourfully and skilfully it is presented to listeners.
