Hardcover edition. The story of the Zaire River Expedition; 1974-1975. bw photos; drawings; maps throughout.
#2854038 in Books Ohio University Press 2007-08-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .50 x 5.50l; .47 #File Name: 089680254X152 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unique; but limited examinationBy AlexI would echo other readers in the viewpoint that while providing information to the outside world on Han-Uigher relations; the book doesn't go far enough in getting to the truth of the matter. The author doesn't do a great job of describing his methodology. Particularly for a book that is supposed to be a thesis; one would expect that the technical aspect of his research would be more clearly spelled-out.While the anecdotal aspects of the book are fascinating; the authors conclusions are limited. He made obvious choices in conducting his research that probably contribute to a sense by some that he has a bias; but I actually found myself interpreting it more as bad planning. Speaking only to Mandarin speaking Uigher will inevitably create a false image of Han-Uigher relations. It's not so much that I take issue with that direction if it was the only option available to the author since he didn't speak Uigher; but he should have been much clearer that his conclusions were limited by that; and accounted for how they were limited.The author's choice of locations also leaves something to be desired. For whatever reason he chose to focus on Uigher minorities in Han Chinese cities; and didn't travel to the Uigher dominated areas to do research.I took a critical position on the book; and in the end don't think I trust it to give a very complete picture of Han-Uigher relations in China. In the absence of other writing readily available to the general public; however; it does provide a clear indication of the broad (and predictable) confrontations between minority and majority ethnic populations with a lot of differences.10 of 12 people found the following review helpful. disturbing on a few different levelsBy Robert W. WilsonOne strange thing about this book is that the author had such a difficult time finding a mosque in Shanghai while living there. I found the Xiaotaoyuan Mosque one afternoon while just walking around during a two-day stopover. Others can be found here: [...].On Kaltman's methodology: He claims to have conducted an ethnography. The fact is that most credible ethnography is marked by long-term personal involvement with those being studied. Kaltman conducted research over a period of less than a year at four sites. This would put him at 3 months per site which doesn't quite meet the criterion of length. He repeatedly characterizes his interviews as "in-depth" but they seem to be more like casual one-off conversations. He talks with people on the street; there is no evidence of trust - the type of trust that builds relationships and leads to meaningful conversations and analysis.On Kaltman's conclusions: His advocacy of Mandarin-language assimilation made me shiver. To that I say; shame on you Blaine Kaltman. I admit that I am biased because I am a proponent of linguistic diversity. But I feel that Kaltman is somewhat blinded by the merits he associates with the eradication of the Uyghur language. I find it strange that Kaltman says that a number of the Uyghurs he met were proponents of the removal of the Uyghur language from the regional system of education. I spent a year and a half in the Uyghur region and I didn't meet a single Uyghur who advocated for Mandarin language assimilation. All the Uyghurs I know are upset that their language is losing ground to Mandarin in the regional system of education.It pains me to give a one star rating to a novice researcher but I found Kaltman's conclusions unconscionable and appalling.1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Well done book on different sects that exist in ChinaBy Maxine GershScholarly work on different sects and religions in China; Interesting; well done; worth the time to read.
