OCR Text |
Show 129 No. 1 1950, pp. 63-80) especially with those dealing with teaching to read and write in Indian languages. Less interested in answering Prof. Esquivel's objections than in indicating which are and where the best informations regarding this method of teaching may be found-the Board of Indian Languages, the Unesco, the Missions and their special organs-he supplies suitable bibliography. According to the author, opposition to teaching in Indian languages is due, to a considerable extent, to lack of knowledge of its foundations, techniques, purposes and possibilities. He affirms that opposition is seldom reasonable, and that it is generally based upon the sentiment of what the method is believed to be or what it is wished to be. He also is of the opinion that instead of using arguments based on reasonable techniques, political and patriotic fields are invaded, thus changing the grounds for discussion. Incidentally, the author points out some contradictions and inconsistencies which he claims to find in Prof. Esquivel Casas' ideas, points out the inconveniences of direct Spanish teaching and stresses the advantages that have been observed by other Anthropologists and Educators as well as by himself in teaching to read and write in the Indian languages. He agrees that this should not be done in all places and under all circumstances, for instance among peoples where Spanish is dominant and in very small linguistic groups. He finishes by calling upon those who have not seriously studied the teaching of the alphabet in Indian languages, to do so and to examine and revise their suggestions, suggesting that both methods may be used when properly revised. Schaden, Egon (Brasil), "0 Pensamento Antropologico de Artur Ramos," America Indigena, X No. 2 (April, 1950), Mexico, D.F., pp. 129-133. English Summary: On October 31, 1949 the noted Brazilian Anthropologist Dr. Arthur Ramos passed away unexpectedly in Paris. His brilliant career, especially as perspicacious investigator of the social formation of his country and in particular of its ethnical characteristics had brought him to a leading position in Brazilian Anthropology. The work of Dr. Ramos in this scientific field has not as yet been properly appraised in regards to its influence in American Anthropology. But it may be affirmed that his works had a definite goal in view from the beginning and that he endeavored, as one of his purposes, to prove that American cultures had their own personality, as well as much to offer to world culture in originality and valuable concepts. In these last years, the scientific personality of Dr. Artur Ramos has passed the boundaries of his country, and at the time of |