PLEASE NOTE: Our seminar room has a limited capacity. Please try to arrive early to ensure you get a seat! The next talk in the CDC seminar series will be given by: Barry Hewlett, Washington State University-Vancouver Date: October 5, 2011, 5 PM Location: Hattyú u. 14, 3rd floor *Social Learning among Congo Basin Hunter-Gatherers * Abstract: This paper explores childhood social learning among Aka and Bofi hunter-gatherers in central Africa. Existing literature suggests hunter-gatherer social learning is primarily vertical (parent-to-child) and that teaching is rare. We use behavioral observations, open-ended and semi-structured interviews and informal and anecdotal observations to examine the modes (e.g., vertical versus horizontal/oblique) and processes (e.g., teaching versus observation and imitation) of cultural transmission. Cultural and demographic contexts of social learning associated with the modes and processes of cultural transmission are described. Hunter-gatherer social learning occurred early, was relatively rapid, primarily vertical under age 5, and oblique and horizontal between the ages of 6 and 12. Pedagogy and other forms of teaching existed as early as 12 months of age, but were relatively infrequent by comparison to others processes of social learning, such as observation and imitation. Cognitive Science events at CEU: http://cognitivescience.ceu.hu/events _______________________________________________ Subscribe by sending an empty mail to seminars-subscribe(a)cdc.ceu.hu Unsubscribe by sending an empty mail to seminars-unsubscribe(a)cdc.ceu.hu