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Alternative ways of representing Zapotec and Cuicatec folk classification of birds: a multidimensional model and its implications for culturally-informed conservation in Oaxaca, México.

Alcántara-Salinas, Graciela, Ellen, Roy F., Valiñas-Coalla, Leopoldo, Caballero, Javier, Argueta-Villamar, Arturo (2013) Alternative ways of representing Zapotec and Cuicatec folk classification of birds: a multidimensional model and its implications for culturally-informed conservation in Oaxaca, México. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 9 (1). 1-16, plus two additional files. ISSN 1746-4269. (doi:10.1186/1746-4269-9-81) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:37827)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-81

Abstract

Background

We report on a comparative ethno-ornithological study of Zapotec and Cuicatec communities in Northern Oaxaca, Mexico that provided a challenge to some existing descriptions of folk classification. Our default model was the taxonomic system of ranks developed by Brent Berlin.

Methods

Fieldwork was conducted in the Zapotec village of San Miguel Tiltepec and in the Cuicatec village of San Juan Teponaxtla, using a combination of ethnographic interviews and pile-sorting tests. Post-fieldwork, Principal Component Analysis using NTSYSpc V. 2.11f was applied to obtain pattern variation for the answers from different participants.

Results and conclusion

Using language and pile-sorting data analysed through Principal Component Analysis, we show how both Zapotec and Cuicatec subjects place a particular emphasis on an intermediate level of classification. These categories group birds with non-birds using ecological and behavioral criteria, and violate a strict distinction between symbolic and mundane (or ‘natural’), and between ‘general-purpose’ and ‘single-purpose’ schemes. We suggest that shared classificatory knowledge embodying everyday schemes for apprehending the world of birds might be better reflected in a multidimensional model that would also provide a more realistic basis for developing culturally-informed conservation strategies.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1186/1746-4269-9-81
Uncontrolled keywords: Animal conservation; Ethno-ornithological knowledge; Folk classification; Oaxaca; Mexico
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Roy Ellen
Date Deposited: 22 Jan 2014 09:48 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/37827 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Ellen, Roy F..

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