Issue 3 (60)
| ORIENTATION IN SPACE AMONG THE DOLGANS OF THE TAIMYR COAST OF THE ARCTIC OCEAN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2018 | Number | 3(60) |
| Pages | 31-39 | Type | scientific article |
| UDC | 39(=943.87) | BBK | 63.521(=634) |
| Authors | Vasilyeva Valeria V. |
Topic | MOBILITIES AND DYNAMICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY |
| Summary | The study focused on the techniques used for orientation in the tundra by the Dolgans of the eastern part of the Taimyr peninsula. The material was studied within the context of the theory of mental/cognitive maps and concept of wayfinding. The navigation techniques used by the Dolgans may be grouped in two categories — the azimuth movement accompanied by a wide range of supplementary techniques, and the movement along the scored lines, such as the tracks left by previous drivers, or the river beds. The techniques are normally used in combination, and the dominance of one over another would depend on several factors: the driver’s experience, the season, the weather, or the purpose of the journey. Part of the Dolgan orientation skills was related to the existence of the so called ‘mental maps’ in the driver’s mind, while another part may only be explained by the environmental engagement theory concepts. However certain aspects of navigation may not be fully comprehended by any of these theories. The article also discusses the issue of the dependence of the cognitive techniques on a particular transportation vehicle used. | ||
| Keywords | navigation, wayfinding, spatial cognition, mental maps, cognitive anthropology, Taimyr, Dolgans | ||
| References |
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