title: Alternative ways of representing Zapotec and Cuicatec folk classification of birds: a multidimensional model and its implications for culturally-informed conservation in Oaxaca, México.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using language and pile-sorting data analysed through Principal Component Analysis, we show how both Zapotec and Cuicatec subjects place a particular emphasis on an intermediate level of classification.These categories group birds with non-birds using ecological and behavioral criteria, and violate a strict distinction between symbolic and mundane (or ‘natural’), and between ‘general-purpose’ and ‘single-purpose’ schemes. We suggest that shared classificatory knowledge embodying everyday schemes for apprehending the world of birds might be better reflected in a multidimensional model that would also provide a more realistic basis for developing culturally-informed conservation strategies.
authors: Centro Regional de Investigaciones Multidisciplinarias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, Av, Universidad s/n, circuito, Colonia Chamilpa, Campus Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos C,P, 62210, Mexico. ga63@kentforlife.net.
authors: Graciela
authors: G
authors: Alcántara-Salinas
authors: Roy F
authors: RF
authors: Ellen
authors: Leopoldo
authors: L
authors: Valiñas-Coalla
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Caballero
authors: Arturo
authors: A
authors: Argueta-Villamar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000145:classification*; D002648:Child; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003469:Culture; D005007:Ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult; D015046:Zoology