Native American Discourse
Poetics and Rhetoric

The aim of this book is to advance a fresh perspective on the presentation, philology, analysis, and interpretation of oral literature and verbal art.

Joel Sherzer (Edited by), Anthony C. Woodbury (Edited by)

9780521338448, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 September 1987

260 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

Originally published in 1987, the aim of this book is to advance a fresh perspective on the presentation, philology, analysis, and interpretation of oral literature and verbal art. Developed through commentaries and analysis of a range of texts from Native American communities, past and present, this original approach is centered on discourse, which the contributors take as being the richest point of intersection among language, culture, society, and individual expression. In discourse, individuals draw on their own artistry at the same time as they draw on the special and unique resources of the language and culture of their communities.

Preface
1. Introduction Joel Sherzer and Anthony C. Woodbury
2. Tonkawa poetics: John Rush buffalo's 'Coyote and Eagle's daughter' Dell Hymes
3. Warm Springs Sahaptin narrative analysis Virginia Hymes
4. Poetic structuring of Kuna discouse: the line Joel Sherzer
5. Hearing a voice in an ancient test: Quiché Maya poetics in performance Dennis Tedlock
6. Rhetorical structure in a Central Alaskan Yupik Eskimo traditional narrative Anthony C. Woodbury
Indices.

Subject Areas: Sociolinguistics [CFB]