«Vorrei cantare / come il pettirosso. / Ha molte melodie / io fatico a parlare». Potremmo partire da questa delicatissima strofa di Eva Taylor, costituita da un endecasillabo frazionato in due versi seguito da un emistichio composto di due settenari, per parlare della nuova raccolta poetica dell'autrice di origine tedesca. Il tema principale è quello del linguaggio, sviluppato nella sezione inaugurale del libro, incentrata sull'anomala ricezione nel nostro paese del tedesco, lingua madre della poetessa, elaborata con una grazia che sembra derivare da suggestioni veterotestamentarie: «Isacco, dal tuo violino / scorre l'immagine di te / nel paese dei due fiumi». Ma questa inesausta interrogazione sulla lingua si dirama alle due sezioni successive, in cui si fa più pressante l'interrogazione di taglio metaletterario che investe tematiche apparentemente discordanti come quella delle «occasioni» innervate sul motivo delle cartoline, riproducenti un paesaggio che di volta in volta acquista valenze metaforiche, o su un ricettario in cui si dispiega, con senso di rinnovato stupore, lo sguardo incantato e, al contempo, disincantato di Eva Taylor, mai disgiunto da una forte dose di compromissione sarcastica. Il bestiario - o antibestiario - finale si configura come il momento più significativo della silloge, dove gli animali impongono la loro presenza, vibratile e dirompente, al fine di mettere in luce manchevolezze e pregi dell'uomo, con esiti icastici che, per la loro intrinseca leggerezza, instaurano con il lettore un rapporto di felice condivisione. (p.d.p.)

An informative real-world guide to studying the "why" of human behavior

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods is a practical, comprehensive guide to the collection and presentation of qualitative data. Unique in the market, this book describes the entire research process — from design through writing — illustrated by examples of real, complete qualitative work that clearly demonstrates how methods are used in actual practice. This updated third edition includes all new case studies, with additional coverage of mixed methods, non-sociological settings, funding, and a sample interview guide. The studies profiled are accompanied by observation field notes, and the text includes additional readings for both students and instructors. More than just theory, this guide is designed to give you a real-world practitioner's view of how qualitative research is handled every step of the way.

Many different disciplines rely on qualitative research as a method of inquiry, to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the governing forces behind it. Qualitative research asks "why" and "how," and the data is frequently complex and difficult to measure. This book shows you how to effectively handle qualitative work, regardless of where it's being applied.

• Understand the strengths and limitations of qualitative data
• Learn how experts work around common methodological issues
• Compare actual field notes to the qualitative studies they generated
• Examine the full range of qualitative methods throughout the research process

Whether you're studying sociology, psychology, marketing, or any number of other fields, especially in the social and behavioral sciences, human behavior is the central concern of your work. So what drives human behavior? That's what qualitative research helps to explain. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods gives you the foundation you need to begin seeking answers.

Di qua e di là dal muro, 'Carta da zucchero' racconta la storia di una famiglia e della sua fuga dalla Germania Est poco prima della costruzione del muro di Berlino, nel 1961. Testimone di questo e di altri episodi è la figlia, che raccoglie i ricordi dei familiari, abituati a ritrovarsi intorno a un tavolo per ricostruire il proprio passato, per cercare di superare mentalmente sia 'il muro' sia quel senso di smarrimento causato dall'esperienza di essere profughi nel proprio paese. Così una piccola nave d'argento, l'automobile dell'infanzia nella Repubblica Democratica Tedesca, ma anche le buste color carta da zucchero che il nonno portava a casa dal mercato, non sono più semplici oggetti: su di loro si sono sedimentate esperienze ed emozioni che nel racconto riaffiorano.

The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide is a guide to the emerging subculture of literary tattoos?a collection of more than 150 full-color photographs of human epidermis indelibly adorned with quotations and illustrations from Dickinson to Pynchon, from Shakespeare to Plath. With beloved lines of verse, literary portraits, and illustrations?and statements from the bearers on their tattoos' history and the personal significance of the chosen literary work?The Word Made Flesh is part collection of photographs and part literary anthology written on skin.

There are a multitude of reasons to introduce hearing children to American Sign Language (ASL), currently the third-most-used language in the United States. Babies and young children who are taught basic signing typically have a stronger bond with their parents, young children who sign show increased self confidence and enthusiasm for learning, and studies have even shown significantly higher IQs as a result of using sign language.

Once Upon a Sign: Using American Sign Language to Engage, Entertain, and Teach All Children introduces readers to American Sign Language in the library and shows them how to use ASL. It contains suggested program ideas for infants and toddlers (and their parents), as well as suggestions for school-age children, 'Tweens, and even teens. By showing librarians and other educators how to integrate American Sign Language into their lapsit, preschool storytime, and `tween/teen programs, this text will benefit not only the hearing children that constitute the majority of patrons, but also help hearing impaired and deaf children feel welcome and appreciated in the library.

Of interest to community organizers and academics, this collection of 14 essays offers first-hand models and experiences of college-community interaction from African-American perspectives. Community service-learning, community-based research, and community service, volunteerism, and engagement are the book's three divisions, with topics devoted to the authors' own experiences and research in a variety of different kinds of communities throughout the U.S. Key concepts include collaborative learning and mutual investment, hearing the community voice, and, of course, race. The contributors are academics, community leaders, and public health specialists. This is a terrific collection, which will provide much food for thought to a wide range of readers. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Chemical vapor sensing arrays have grown in popularity over the past two decades, finding applications for tasks such as process control, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnosis. This is the first in-depth analysis of the process of choosing materials and components for these 'electronic noses', with special emphasis on computational methods. For a view of component selection with an experimental perspective, readers may refer to the complementary volume of Integrated Microanalytical Systems entitled 'Combinatorial Methodologies for Sensor Materials.'

Despite their differences, an African American mother and daughter enjoy a special relationship.