Latin American Indians through Dialogue and Speech Acts in the Travel of Alexander von Humboldt

Abstract

When Humboldt traveled through Latin America, many indigenous languages were still spoken despite three centuries of European colonialism. While Alexander von Humboldt explores geography and analyzes the Native South American languages, he also takes their speakers (at the same time, inhabitants of the explored geography) in consideration: indigenous voices are articulated through dialogue and speech acts, both in their tongues and in Spanish, the colonial language. As the South American Indian speaks, Humboldt listens. For instance, Indians are able to articulate their own culture, deconstruct language and the power relations that it holds, as well as to express themselves aesthetically. They even collaborate with the German scientist in the production of knowledge. This paper analyzes how Humboldt represents Indians as speakers and, for instance, as active participants in several episodes of Humboldt’s travel.