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

作者：Alcantara Salinas Graciela^*; Ellen Roy F; Valinas Coalla Leopoldo; Caballero Javier; Argueta Villamar Arturo

来源：Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2013, 9(1): 81.

DOI：10.1186/1746-4269-9-81

• Animal conservation
• Ethno-ornithological knowledge
• Folk classification
• Oaxaca
• Mexico

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. %26lt;br%26gt;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. %26lt;br%26gt;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 %26apos;natural%26apos;), and between %26apos;general-purpose%26apos; and %26apos;single-purpose%26apos; 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.

• 出版日期2013-12-9