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

ABSTRACT:

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.

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.

Results and conclusion

Using language and pile-sorting data analysed through Principal Component Analysis, we show how both Zapotec and C

SUBMITTER: Alcantara-Salinas G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4120933 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature