Ep 69: The Power of a Name with Alexandra (Sasha) Aikhenvald

What is the power of a name? In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Aikhenvald, Professor at the Jawun Research Centre at Central Queensland University (Cairns) and an Australian Laureate Fellow. Alexandra shares her extensive fieldwork experiences in north-west Amazonia (Brazil) and the Sepik region of New Guinea, diving into the significance of 'blessing names' within Amazonian cultures and reflecting on the devastating effects of colonial invasion on traditional knowledge.

She also opens up about her personal journey into linguistics, inspired by her experiences of discrimination in the Soviet Union, and highlights the incredible linguistic diversity in Amazonia, where approximately 350 languages are spoken today.

Our conversation explores fascinating topics such as:

• Naming practices and their cultural importance.
• The concept of 'evidentiality' in language.
• The challenges of preserving languages in culturally rich yet unstable regions like Papua New Guinea.

We also discuss Alexandra's book, I Saw the Dog, which underscores the importance of linguistic diversity and why protecting it matters.

This is a thought-provoking episode packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Links: http://www.aikhenvaldlinguistics.com/; 

https://staff-profiles.cqu.edu.au/home/view/25682

https://www.ae-info.org/ae/Member/Aikhenvald_Alexandra

And here are the links to my popular-type book I saw the dog: how language works. Profile books 2021 -https://profilebooks.com/work/i-saw-the-dog/

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Alexandra-Aikhenvald-I-Saw-the-Dog-9781781257715

 facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.aikhenvald.98/

Notes
•Alexandra shares superstitions from Amazonia, like eating crocodile causes forgetfulness
Names and Linguistics in Amazonia(12:37 - 20:56)
•Explanation of 'blessing names' in Amazonian cultures
•Discussion on how colonial invasion affected traditional knowledge
Linguistic Diversity and Personal History(20:56 - 31:05)
•Alexandra's journey into linguistics due to discrimination in Soviet Union
•Estimation of about 350 languages in Amazonia currently
Naming Practices and Language Characteristics(31:07 - 40:42)
•Explanation of multiple naming systems in Amazonian cultures
•Discussion on the importance of kinship terms in languages
Linguistic Fieldwork and Cultural Practices(40:42 - 50:25)
•Explanation of naming practices in Manambu community
•Importance of names as spiritual wealth and land ownership tokens
•Discussion on name debates and their cultural significance
Language Preservation and Challenges(50:25 - 59:23)
•Challenges facing linguistic diversity in Papua New Guinea
Book Discussion and Closing Thoughts(59:23 - 01:09:16)
•Introduction of Alexandra's book 'I Saw the Dog'

Follow us:

Fabric of Folklore website

Youtube channel

Facebook Page

Facebook Group

Instagram

Twitter

Linkedin