Alan Barnard Bücher

Die Dinos beherrschten vor über 70 Millionen Jahren die Erde. Die Autorin verfolgt ihren Weg bis zu dem Zeitpunkt, an dem sie schließlich ausstarben

This acclaimed A-Z reference is a unique and provocative guide to the the discipline which explores human, social and cultural life in all its diversity. The 230-plus substantial entries provide authoritative and highly readable coverage of the essential terms, issues and concerns of contemporary anthropology, along with valuable surveys of anthropological practice and theory in all the major regions of the globe. Written by leading specialists working around the world, the entries include topics such power, war, race, ghost dance, anthropological scandals, magic, missionaries, methodology, and much more. Each entry contains cross references and a bibliographic guide to further reading. This work also features a biographic appendix covering over 200 important figures in the history of anthropology and a glossary with short explanations of over 500 terms and concepts.

For ninety per cent of our history, humans have lived as 'hunters and gatherers', and for most of this time as talking individuals. No direct evidence for the origin and evolution of language exists; we do not even know if early humans had language, either spoken or signed. Taking an anthropological perspective, Alan Barnard acknowledges this difficulty and argues that we can nevertheless infer a great deal about our linguistic past from what is around us in the present. Hunter-gatherers still inhabit much of the world, and in sufficient number to enable us to study the ways in which they speak, the many languages they use, and what they use them for. Barnard investigates the lives of hunter-gatherers by understanding them in their own terms, to create a book which will be welcomed by all those interested in the evolution of language.

Exploring the profound achievements of hunter-gatherers, this book reveals how their understanding of the environment informs not only their survival but also offers valuable lessons for modern life. Barnard emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experiences and cautions against naively adopting practices from these cultures without considering broader implications. He highlights the ongoing struggles of living hunter-gatherers against resource exploitation and societal pressures, urging a reevaluation of our own lifestyles in light of their sustainable practices.

The book features a comprehensive table of contents that organizes its various chapters and sections, providing readers with a clear roadmap of the topics covered. Each entry is designed to guide readers through the material, making it easy to locate specific information and understand the structure of the content. This approach enhances the reader's experience by facilitating navigation and comprehension of the subject matter.

Exploring the identity of the Bushmen, the author delves into the complexities of education learned during time spent in the Kalahari. The narrative intertwines knowledge of the environment with insights into kinship, religion, and societal structures, emphasizing our shared humanity. The book addresses significant questions about the origins and lifestyle of early humans, including their communication, belief systems, and societal dynamics. Through this exploration, the author argues for the value of learning from the Bushmen's rich history and culture.