Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes cover art

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes

Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle

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Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes

By: Daniel L. Everett
Narrated by: Daniel Everett
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About this listen

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.

©2008 Daniel L. Everett (P)2017 Tantor Adventure Travel Anthropology Linguistics Logic & Language Philosophy Social Sciences Adventure

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Critic reviews

"Rich account of fieldwork among a tribe of hunter-gatherers in Brazil.... Everett's experiences and findings fairly explode from these pages and will reverberate in the minds of readers." ( Kirkus)
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A wonderful book; take this opportunity to open your mind to a different culture and explore the human understanding of language.

Eye opening!

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Great writing, fascinating story about life in a remote place, deep ideas on life. Highly recommend. Thanks for your work, Dan

Excellent

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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.

Fascinating

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Fantastic book! I will recommend it. Well told story. very intriguing especially listening on audible

Fantastic book! I will recommend. Well told stiry

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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.

Absolutely phenomenal

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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.

A linguistic journey into the nature of existence

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The most beautiful book I have ever listened to good good quality very very good

Highly recommended the most beautiful Book

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I loved this book, a fascinating read. I think it will last with me the rest of my life

Life changing read

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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

Beautiful. Mind opening And educational

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No specific story line never got into it. A bitty journal that didn't catch my attention

wierd

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