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Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes
- Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
- Narrated by: Daniel Everett
- Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins
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Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes
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Summary
Daniel Everett, then a Christian missionary, arrived among the Pirahã in 1977 - with his wife and three young children - intending to convert them. What he found was a language that defies all existing linguistic theories and reflects a way of life that evades contemporary understanding. The Pirahã have no counting system and no fixed terms for color. They have no concept of war or of personal property. They live entirely in the present. Everett became obsessed with their language and its cultural and linguistic implications, and with the remarkable contentment with which they live - so much so that he eventually lost his faith in the God he'd hoped to introduce to them. Over three decades, Everett spent a total of seven years among the Pirahã, and his account of this lasting sojourn is an engrossing exploration of language that questions modern linguistic theory. It is also an anthropological investigation, an adventure story, and a riveting memoir of a life profoundly affected by exposure to a different culture. Written with extraordinary acuity, sensitivity, and openness, it is fascinating from first to last, rich with unparalleled insight into the nature of language, thought, and life itself.
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What listeners say about Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Alice
- 10-03-23
Eye opening!
A wonderful book; take this opportunity to open your mind to a different culture and explore the human understanding of language.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Michael Griffin
- 21-04-23
Fascinating
I’ve heard many wonderful books on audible, however this is the first time I felt the need to publish a comment. This is an incredibly special book, even if, like myself, you were hesitant to listen to a book about linguistics - pick it up. The lens of linguistics was a beautiful way to learn about these people and opens up new avenues of insight. Many thanks to author for providing a book that truly feels like a unique experience.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Olly
- 25-11-22
Fantastic book! I will recommend. Well told stiry
Fantastic book! I will recommend it. Well told story. very intriguing especially listening on audible
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- David Bailey
- 21-09-20
Absolutely phenomenal
This story is something which should be taught in schools today. From the intense accounts of daily pira ha life, to the technical linguistics of the language.
If you want to learn about what it truly means to be happy in life, then this is the book for you.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Judine
- 07-05-22
Highly recommended the most beautiful Book
The most beautiful book I have ever listened to good good quality very very good
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr M C Arthur
- 28-09-17
A linguistic journey into the nature of existence
A journey into the heart of being through the study of linguistics. At times I found the passages using the native language a bit dry and repetitive. It was definitely worth sticking with it, however, as the lessons about the relationship between language, culture and finding happiness and meaning in life were enlightening.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 26-03-19
Beautiful. Mind opening And educational
Beautiful. Mind opening And educational
This book has changed my perspective on people, society and culture. The people referred to here have challenged my own perspectives and blessed me
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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- Daureen
- 12-01-20
wierd
No specific story line never got into it. A bitty journal that didn't catch my attention
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