by Ann Fienup - Riordan (Editor), Marie Meade (Translator), Alice Rearden (Translator)
This bilingual volume focuses on the teachings, experiences, and practical wisdom of expert Native orators as they instruct a younger generation about their place in the world. In carefully crafted presentations, Yup'ik elders speak about their rules for right living -values, beliefs, and practices-which illuminate the enduring and still-relevant foundations of their culture today. While the companion volume, Wise Words of the Yup'ik Peopleweaves together hundreds of statements by Yup'ik elders on the values that guide human relationships, Yup'ik Words of Wisdom, highlights the words of expert orators and focuses on key conversations that took place among elders and younger community members as the elders presented their perspectives on the moral underpinnings of Yup'ik social relations.
The orators in this volume-including Frank Andrew from Kwigillingok, David Martin from Kipnuk, and Nelson Island elders Paul John and Thersea Moses-were raised in isolated Yup'ik communities in Alaska and were educated much like their parents and grandparents.
Translated, edited, and organized for a general audience, this bilingual edition is for those who want to know not only what the elders have to say but also how they say it. A new introduction explores this book's impact over the past decade.
Format: Illustrated
Pages: 344
Edition: new edition
Publisher: UNP - Bison Books
Published: 01 Apr 2018
ISBN 10: 1496204972
ISBN 13: 9781496204974
[Yup'ik Words of Wisdom] will prove to be a valuable record of Yup'ik tradition and knowledge not only for young people who might want to spend a few minutes reading, but also for scholars of oral history in the future. -Polar Record