Culture & Truth: The Remaking of Social Analysis
This work introduces readers to an array of contemporary anthropological theories and the debates on the validity of "classical" ethnographies, based presumably on detached observation. Using his own personal experience of grief as a vehicle to understand the intensity of Ilongot sentiments (particularly about headhunting), Rosaldo argues that most ethnographies have eliminated personal emotions and thus distorted and misinterpreted not only descriptions but also the key to analytical and explanatory modes. As a "positioned subject," the ethnographer brings his or her unique "angle of vision" into the field, as do the ethnographer's informants. The "translation of cultures" is a complex, fluid process between "ethnographers and natives." Written in a manner both accessible and compelling, this will be of interest to anthropologists as well as to informed nonspecialists; a wonderful addition to the growing body of critical anthropological literature.-- Winifred Lambrecht, Brown Univ. , Providence, R.I. correction: Diane Tong's Gypsy Folk tales, reviewed in LJ 4/15/89, costs $19.95, not $21.95, as the review stated.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.