Chapter Two: Histories and Contexts of Communication
Traces some of the historical and contemporary social contexts that shape Miskitu children’s voices on Corn Island.
Terms:
• Interpellation
• Centripetal
• Centrifugal
Questions for reflection:
1. How did Spain, England, Nicaragua, and the U.S. shape discourses of race and ethnicity on the Caribbean coast?
2. How and when did Miskitu people start moving to Corn Island in large numbers?
3. What are some ways that concepts of race and ethnicity are static/fixed on Corn Island, and what are some ways they are dynamic/fluid?
4. What were some key features of the informal contexts of Miskitu children’s interaction on Corn Island? What were some key features of the formal contexts of Miskitu children’s interaction?
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- Older children often took on the responsibility of babysitting younger children in their family
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- Boys playing Nintendo for a fee and watching for free
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- A toddler dancing along with the radio, at the urging of his family
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- Kindergarten students learning to write
