Joking between kith and kin a fundamental role in Burkianbè society. It is, in fact, a complex game that is specific to certain ethnic groups and their relations with others (e.g. Samo/Mossi ; Gourounsi/Bisa ; Samo/Bisa ; Fulani/Bobo  etc.). In conversation, people will use particular words, adopt a tone or attitude and sometimes behave aggressively in ways that would not be permitted if they did not have the special bond with the other person. This verbal fencing match is known as Rakiré in Moré language roughly meaning“joking between kith and kin”. Its origins often stem from shared historical events or some common experience in the past that has long been forgotten. The whole point of this game is to affirm one’s identity as part of a group while trying to put down the other person. This kith and kin joke helps people to evacuate stress and aggression while entertaining the audience. As well as being a source of much amusement, it is a tremendous way of defusing potentially explosive situations and conflicts.