ABSTRACT
Let us rapidly review the main stages of our argument. We started from the observation that magic in all languages and at all times, and certainly in the Trobriands, almost ostentatiously displays words which are avowedly meaningless. Since to us meaning is equal to the function of words within the context of situation, we were led to enquire what the situation of magic really is. Magic produces specific supernatural effects within a world created by magical belief, by means of ritual handling :carried out by an accredited magician. Therefore we were led to the conclusion that the meaning of spells consists in the effect of the words within their ritual context. Thus the analysis of meaning in magic must turn on the mystical influences of utterance accompanied by manual acts .
