Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the difficult, but possible exchange of socio- cultural competences between different cultures in the same country. The social learning process is possible through instruction, imitation, sharing, interaction and observation within the limitation of cultural boundaries.

Paper long abstract:

My presentation will explore the difficult, but possible exchange of socio- cultural competences between different cultures in the same country: the Hunter-gatherer Raute’s of Nepal, the dominant culture, and its modern education. It investigates the practices of knowledge transmission among Raute children and suggests how to build a bi-dimensional (or multi- dimensional) anthropological perspective in education. The ethno-ecological knowledge could be possible exchange between nomadic Raute and sedentary groups around the world. The paper investigates the trends and practices of knowledge transmission, sharing, and acquisition among Raute children regarding hunting, gathering, carving, and trading. Within the confines of their culture, Raute children learn in multiple ways, including imitation, observation, and play. Social learning encompasses a broad range of practices, such as peer sharing, interaction, communication, cooperation, and facilitation. Three types of social learning have been analyzed: first, vertical learning (from parents to children) where knowledge is directly shared and nurtured; Raute children have an inherent adaptability that enables them to acquire knowledge and skills from their parents. This lineage-based learning process fosters a close association between children and their parents. Second, horizontal learning (peer-to-peer) occurs through play and intensive interactions with other children of the same generation. Third, oblique social learning involves Raute children learning through imitation and instruction from non-parental members or other adults. The knowledge transformation of Raute locally embedded which could be exchange with other dominant groups for livelihood strategies and overcome from social problems.