Don't sleep, there are snakes

life and language in the Amazonian jungle

by

300 pages

English language

Published June 10, 2009 by Vintage Departures.

ISBN:
978-0-307-38612-0
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4 stars (3 reviews)

A linguist offers a thought-provoking account of his experiences and discoveries while living with the Pirahã, a small tribe of Amazonian Indians living in central Brazil and a people possessing a language that defies accepted linguistic theories and reflects a culture that has no counting system, concept of war, or personal property, and lives entirely in the present.

1 edition

reviewed Don't sleep, there are snakes by Daniel Leonard Everett

Review of "Don't sleep, there are snakes" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I liked this a lot. I found the theory behind Everett's discussion of linguistics a little confusing, but I think this was due to my own shortcomings rather than his writing style. He did his best to make sure even novices understood him. The Piraha people he describes are interesting and their culture compelling.

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3 stars
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rated it

4 stars

Subjects

  • Pirahá Indians
  • Social life and customs
  • Jungles
  • Pirahá dialect

Places

  • Amazon River Region