Al Fin Que Ya los Cueros no Van a Correr: The Pragmatics of Power in Hnahnu (Otomi) Markets
Author(s)
Flores, Farfan, J.
Abstract
This article analyzes the specific pragmatics of an extremely asymmetrical example of market interaction between Spanish-speaking middlemen Mestizos & Hnahnu (Otomi) occasional sellers in the market of Ixmiquilpan, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, where Hnahnu is still spoken. The fine indications of interpersonal cross-cultural conflict found in the transcript (eg, duration of turns, varied use of indexical terms by buyers to address sellers, & the timing of verbal performance) allow us to understand how interethnic, gender, & power differences operate in this specific setting, relating the global & local levels. Detailed analysis of one case demonstrates the validity of certain universal theories regarding the use of language & enables us to understand the unavoidable conditions of conversation in terms of their universal status vis-a-vis the use of language as the material expression of power or symbolic violence. 68 References.
