EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS OF THE BAKA PYGMIES(1)

Abstract

This study analyzes the everyday conversations of the Baka Pygmies in southeastern Cameroon. The Baka, the Bakwele farmer-fishers, and the Hausa live together in the study village. I recorded their conversations using a video camera and produced verbatim translations with the help of my informant, which were later subjected to conversation analysis. Excerpts from conversations about several topics that vividly reflect the sociocultural characteristics of, and current problems experienced by, the Baka people are presented. First, I examine the "foraging mode of thought" among the Baka, which is characterized by "interest in the present" and "relationships with the forest." Second, relationships with actors, such as other ethnic groups and the national/international agencies working in the vicinity of the Baka are analyzed.