Flutes of Fire: Essays on California Indian Languages [Paperback]

Leanne Hinton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1993

Unique ways of understanding the world

Before outsiders arrived, about 100 distinct Indian languages were spoken in California, many of them alive today. Each of these languages represents a unique way of understanding the world and expressing that understanding.

Flutes of Fire examines many different aspects of Indian languages: languages, such as Yana, in which men and women have markedly different ways of speaking; ingenious ways used in each language for counting. Hinton discusses how language can retain evidence of ancient migrations, and addresses what different groups are doing to keep languages alive and pass them down to the younger generations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

''This is a wonderful book...well written, well edited, and full of useful information. Once begun, it is hard to put down.'' --American Indian Culture and Research Journal

''Succeeds admirably in bridging popular writing and academic scholarship.'' --American Anthropologist

About the Author

Leanne Hinton is associate professor of linguistics and director of the Survey of California and Other Indian Languages at the University of California, Berkeley. She also writes a column on languages for News from Native California and works with native people throughout the state on language preservation projects.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Heyday; 2 edition (November 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930588622
• ISBN-13: 978-0930588625
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Native American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and informative essays on California languages!, April 27, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Flutes of Fire: Essays on California Indian Languages (Paperback)

Flutes of Fire is a collection of essays dealing with California Indian languages. The 22 essays are interesting, educational, and fun to read. Two of my favorite essays are "Upriver, Downriver: the Vocabulary of Direction" and "A Pinenut by Any Other Name." You'll be amazed at how much information and enjoyment you get out of this book

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for anyone interested in language preservation, January 14, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Flutes of Fire: Essays on California Indian Languages (Paperback)

Lively, accessible essays about the uniqueness of California's many Native languages and the amazing work tribes have done to preserve these languages despite all odds. Indigenous Californians are at the forefront of language preservation - with active revitalization programs even for languages with no living speakers - so this is an inspiring read for anyone involved in language preservation. The book also provides insights in to Native California tribal cultures and lifeways.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Claifornia Indian Languages, June 27, 2009

By 

Lisa-Oh (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Flutes of Fire: Essays on California Indian Languages (Paperback)

Amazon service was excellent as expected. I bought this book as a gift for a museum docent. It was much appreciated and will no doubt add to his already considerable knowledge of California's indigenous people.