Gossip, reputation, and knowledge in Zinacantan

This book examines the creation of cultural rules via conversation, specifically gossip. Focusing on a linguistic analysis of the Mayan language Tzotzil, the author provides both transcriptions and analysis of conversation, focusing on how the language is used to gain, perpetuate, or ruin reputation...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Haviland, John Beard
Format: Book
Language:English
Published: Chicago : University of Chicago Press, [1977]
Physical Description:
xiii, 260 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
Subjects:
Tzotzil Indians -- Social life and customs.
Gossip -- Case studies.
Zinacantán (Mexico) -- Social life and customs.
Contents:
  • A plea for gossip
  • The ethnographic context
  • The domain of gossip
  • The structure of Zinacanteco gossip
  • Gossip and the cargo system
  • Gossip words
  • Rules in gossip
  • Cultural competence : gossip and a theory of ethnography.

Similar Items