Week 3: Language Experiment

Part 1:

I found this experiment to be easy, because most times I am quiet while other people are talking. However, it was my husband that I experimented with, so it did become difficult; due to me wanting to converse with him. The impression of my husband proved to be easy to take for an extended period of time, because that is what he does anyway. However, it became more difficult as the conversation progressed, and he ran out things to talk about, since he is accustom to me replying back, and interjecting my opinions. He did continue the conversation, and finished the fifteen (15) minutes, but as the conversation proceeded, he used more hand gestures and his body language became fidgety. Both cultures have the advantage of communicating complex ideas. It is up to the cultures to find a way to communicate with one another, whether it be through: symbols, pictures, an interpreter and/or hand gestures. The culture that can organize and orchestrate this form communication would have the advantage. Symbols are key forms of communication in all cultures, but some more than others. Not being able to communicate through symbolism in some cultures would alienate some groups of people from one another. When languages are different, this causes a barrier between communication, but symbols connect cultures together, whether you speak the language or not. For example, some disabled people have a difficult time communicating to others; due to speech impediments, a condition that interferes with speech, and/deafness. For those that are deaf sign language is helpful and allows them to communicate with others. Speech impediments, such as stuttering can be corrected through speech therapy.

Part 2:

To my surprise, it was difficult to carry on a conversation without using hand gestures, body language, facial expressions, etc. I only lasted for about ten (10) minutes, but I found myself moving from side-to-side and looking for things to converse about. My husband was laughing at me, because he thought that it would be easy; until I talked him into trying it. He lasted about five (5) minutes, because his whole conversation involves him using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. He admitted, that it was difficult, and he did not realize that all those things made a difference when communicating. The use of "signs" in communicating is essential to effective communication. Hand gestures helps you get your point across, where facial expressions relay the message. "Signs" is what brings the conversation to life, and allow you to follow the points your party is trying to convey. There are people that have a difficult time reading body language. People in different cultures may have a problem reading a foreigners body language, because it is not the norm of their culture. For example, Muslim women are not permitted to look in the eyes of men. In Western Civilization, we were taught to look a person in their eyes when speaking with them. Being able to read body language is of great benefit. You can tell when a person is being deception or not telling the whole truth, by hand gestures and facial expressions. An environmental condition that not reading body language would be in cold places. In the process, of trying to stay warm would interfere and give false information from the body. For example, shivering and being unable to speak clearly could cause a miscommunication; due to extreme cold temperatures.

Part 3:

Yes, the experiment would have been easier; if I was allowed to write down, because I could convey the message that I was trying to get across. Not being able to speak was difficult, and made the conversation boring. It is not interesting to me, to listen to someone else talk without the luxury of being able to interject my opinions in the conversation. Writing would allow me to get my points across. Written language allows effective communication within societies. A culture that develops their own language and use it is a good thing. It is a way for everyone to communicate and understand one another. This keeps outsiders out of community business. This leads to the road of organizing within the community and/or tribe. Written language has allowed for people around the world to learn new languages, and effectively communicate with people from other cultures. Language connects us to other cultures, how they live, how we live, and understanding of one another. This opens the doors to global business.

Week 2: Environmental Adaptations

The Zulu is a South African Tribe that lives mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. There are small numbers of Zulus that live in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Climate: The climate is sub-tropical and stays warm year-round. In the Summer, it is hot, humid and wet, with temperatures regularly in the mid-thirties (Celsius). October through April are the Summer months. May through September are the winter months. The winter is dry and pleasantly warm during the day, but cold at night and in the mornings. It is not unusual for there to be thunderstorms in the afternoon, but occasionally the rain lasts all day. The temperatures are between 17 degrees Celsius/56 degrees Fahrenheit, in the afternoon.

Physical Adaptation: The KwaZulu-Natal does not require any clothing to maintain homeostasis. According to the encyclopedia, there is a myth that long ago the Zulus did not die, but rather lived for years. There was times that it was hard to maintain homeostasis; due to extreme weather and heavy rain, that would destroy huts and crops.

Cultural Adaptation: There is an estimated 10-11 million people in the Zulu Tribe. This would be considered monolithic, large, powerful, and intractably indivisible and uniform. Cultural Adaptation has caused changes with the Zulu communities. The Zulu recognize the national holidays. The locals have adapted their age-old traditions to suit modern living.

Race: The Zulu Tribe is considered a Bantu ethnic group of Southern Africa and the largest. The are various different races that exist within the Zulus. For example, there are black Africans and mixed races that comprise the Zulu Tribe.

Adaptation vs. Race: The Zulu Tribe has adapted to their climate, living conditions, and continue to thrive presently. They are a black race of people. For example, even though some of them are mixed races, the one-drop rule makes them black. The Zulu tribe has a vibrate culture, that continue with their traditions, but have advanced into modern society, by adapting and changing to the world around them. 

The Andean Indians are classified as Indigenous, meaning they are the original people to the land. Central America is home to the Andean Indians. 

Climate: Temperatures range from the specially cold to dry weather. Lowlands tend to be hot, but elevation tempers on some of the islands, and along mountain ranges. The climate changes drastically throughout the region. For example, the Pre-ceramic time lead to the Ice Age. Presently, the melting glaciers; due to global warming has threatened the Andean Indians way of life. As the climate change, the river is drying up, and this water had sustained them for millenia. 

Physical Adaptation: In order for the Andean Indians to survive, they had to physically adapt to their environment. For example, to breathe at high altitudes and increased size of the nostrils was a physical adaptation. This allowed additional air intake for sufficient oxygen. Another adaptation was being able to breathe at high altitudes, endurance of cold nights made it both easier and more comfortably, than someone without these physical adaptations.

Cultural Adaptation: The Andean Indians red skin surfaces for increased oxygen supply. Also, the was a noted blood hemoglobin adaptation.

The Andean Indians had control over the landscape for food growth. Farmers grow food on the sides of steep mountains. 

Race: The Andean Indians are Indigenous people, but of course like many other races they are mixed, with European, Inca and Spanish. Mainly, they considered Indians and/Indigenous.

Adaptation vs. Race: The Andean Indians have seemed to adapted to their environment quite well, despite of all the challenges they face within their environment. Race does not have anything to do with their survival skills. They have a mixture of races, but they remain a close knit community. Men and women work side by side to make their community run. 

Week 1: Cultural Descriptions

Part 1:

The 5 (five) words that I would use to describe the Nacerima people is: ritualistic, sadistic, community, traditions and faithful.

1.) Ritualistic: would describes the many rituals the Nacerima people practice throughout the year. The Nacerima take on a 'holistic perspective,' from a Anthropological point-of-view, by emphasizing the diversity within and among human culture. When contrasted to Western Civilization. Americans are unaware of the many rituals that we participate in on a daily basis. For example, prayer is a big part of a Christian's life, and may become a daily practice for many individuals. Ritual gives people a sense of belonging to something bigger than self. It is the way many cultures connect to their spiritual practices and ancestors.

2. Sadistic: describes the barbaric practices of the Nacerima people For example, the ritual of the Holy-Mouth-Man, put holes in the Nacerima people teeth, and filled it with so-called magical herbs. This causes further damage to exposed nerves. The teeth are not repaired, as would be expected in Western Civilization. This would coincide with 'ethnocentrism'. Whereas, I do not believe that my own culture are the only standards to live by. Growing up in America, has instilled a different perspective in me. For example, if my tooth has a cavity, the dentist will use a numbing medicine before doing any work to my tooth, and there would be minimal to no pain. These are the practices that I am accustomed.

3. Community: describes the culture of the Nacerima people. Year after year they participate in rituals of pain, and sacrificing the little money they do have. All members of the community have personal shrine in their homes, where they perform private/secret rituals. A charm box is filled with charms, that are said to protect the person, and so on. The freedom to choose your religion is a Western Civilization practice. This is where I am 'culture-bound,' because I do not want to cause unnecessary pain to myself. For example, I am terrified of dentists; due to the drills and a past experience. However, my dentist cater to my fear and needs, to do the work I need done. In some cultures, this is not a norm and can be quite painful.

4. Traditions: can be describe as a culture's way of life. It may not be considered the norm, by Western society, nevertheless traditions are to be respected in Anthropology studies and research. Traditions are what cultures are made of globally. For example, America celebrate Christmas every December 25th, whereas some cultures would consider this a pagan practice, and choose not to participate. For example, members of the occult communities celebrate the New Year, the first day of Spring, rather than January 1st. Spring is when animals wake up from hibernation, flowers and trees begin to bloom again. 

5. Faithful: is a word to describe the Nacerima people. Each year they continue with their rituals, traditions and practices. They faithfully acquire their charms for their charm boxes, and participate in community and private rituals. 'Fieldwork,' provided by Horace Miner shed some light on the Nacerima people and their cultural practices. I do agree with their practices, but I respect it, and recognize how faithful they are to their traditions. For example, the fieldwork that was provided by Miner gave us a look into a culture different than our own.

Part 2:

1. As an American, the choice of words that I used does describe America. There was no way of knowing that I would be describing America. Actually, the descriptive words do describe America, from my perspective. For example, rituals are performed at various times of the year within all religions in America. Pagans celebrate the New Year the first day of Spring. Occult members have been know to perform sacrifices during All Hallow's Eve. Christian and Catholics observe Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There are many sadistic practices in American and most are illegal. African-Americans are being shot by the police frequently, and in some cases; if arrested they are inflicted with torture, then murdered.

The is a great sense of community throughout America. I have experienced it everywhere I have lived in the United States. There is no denying it. Generally, people are divided according to economic status. America is the melting pot of traditions for all the cultures that live within the United States. For example, the traditions of holidays, such as: hay rides during Halloween, the Super Bowl, the Playoffs, trick or treating for Halloween, celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving.
   
America is faithful when it comes to protecting its citizens from terrorists. I honor that, because I do feel safe and secure knowing that America is fighting on our side. The poor have their many issues; due to capitalism, but America does have a welfare system that provides some assistance to needy families, and help centers for our Veterans.

2. Yes, there are words that shows a bias towards the Nacerima people. For example, sadistic is a harsh way to describe a culture, but due to my limit experience, morals and values this is my description of them and America. Faithful would be considered bias also. For example, I described the Nacerima people as being faithful and America. Does it make the Nacerima people faithful that they keep up with their traditions? Or are they being solicited for money, by the community medicine men? As for America, I call them faithful for protecting its citizens from terrorists. Whereas, the countries that they are at war with may have a different opinion. Other countries have accused America of taking what they want, from whom they want.

Ritualistic, Community and Traditions would be classifies as being unbiased. For example, all cultures maintain some type of ritual. A ritual can be as simple as, getting up Monday through Friday to get ready for work or school for Americans, and finding work to support their loved ones in other cultures. Community exists in all cultures. People are grouped together, and carry on daily tasks within all cultures. This would be considered the norm. Traditions are apart of all cultures. For example, it is traditional to watch the Super Bowl or Playoffs in American homes, during football and basketball season. In Botswana, it is traditional to have a dinner at the home of the bride once engaged.

3. Instead of using sadistic, I could replace it with cultural practices. Cultural practices would not be so harsh as to offend a culture of their way of life. Instead of faithful, I could replace it with loyal. Most cultures are loyal to their way of life, and it gives honor to them in the process. Loyal would describe their love of their values, traditions and rituals.

4. It is important to understand a culture, without passing judgment on them, their traditions and their way of life. This is a disrespectful act. People are entitled to live how they choose, and should be free of speculation and ridicule. Diversity is the spice of life. If everyone was doing it, then it would not be diverse. That would make life rather boring. I do not believe that it is possible to avoid all biases, as a Cultural Anthropologists. Cultural Anthropologists are humans, therefore they have room for error. I do not feel that they intentionally are bias. They to have limited experience to different cultures. Being raised in America is a big difference to being born in China. The cultures are different, and so is life. Each culture has their own sacred knowledge, and way of doing things.

     

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

I am very excited about taking Cultural Anthropology with Dr. Laurie Rodriquez! This is quite the interesting subject, and I look forward to the journey.