Human Cultures

In our longitudinal studies on cross-cultural communication, we study the ways infants interact with their social partners and their environment. We observe the behaviour of infants of different human cultures in several natural contexts (e.g. food-intake, playing). The data are analysed in accordance to study-relevant parameters.

Germany

Over a period of two years, our studies took place in our “playroom” at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen as well as in the children’s homes. The collection of data has been completed to 30 September 2015.

Hadza, Tanzania

We study the communicative behaviour of pre-linguistic children of the Hadza, Tanzania in two little mountain villages, Kideru and Oboi, and in a bigger settlement in Siponga/ Sekobe (in cooperation with Dr. C. Powers, University of East London, UK).