Review by Choice Review
This is a valuable addition to studies of Trans-Himalayan societies. Tarangpur is a cluster of villages in Northwestern Nepal along the Tibetan border. There are three languages common in the Tarangpur: Nepali, Tibetan, and Kaike, an unwritten Tibeto-Burman language spoken by a few thousand people. Fisher (Carleton) is well qualified, with a background in social anthropology. He knows the general area and speaks Nepali and some Tibetan, having done ethnography research in the villages. The villagers in many aspects-ethnically, economically, religiously, and socially-reflect their position between two major cultures, yet attempt to maintain their uniqueness. Active participation in trade increases their sense of interdependency. This study makes it easier to understand many other cultures along the Tibetan border such as the Monguors of Ch'inghai or the Kachin of Burma. Fisher's book is of value as a help to understanding ethnic processes as well as the ethnic shatter belt that extends from Kansu Province in China to the Parmirs. It is a valuable addition as a supplementary text and reference book for both area studies and studies of ethnicity, recommended for general readers and university students.-F.B. Bessec, University of Montana
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review