LSAT 104, Section 3, RC Passage 2, Hopi Names

Paragraph Summaries

1. Western views of names prevent us from understanding how names are used in other societies.
   Hopi names are introduced.
2. Hopis get their names throughout life in a series of rituals.
3. Names often signify events, though the event isn’t apparent from the translation.
4. Hopi names are counterexamples to Western theories. Their names have several functions, and great beauty.

Analysis

This passage is making an argument. The author says that Mill and Levi-Strauss’ views come are too limited.

The second half of the first paragraph is very important. It summarizes what the passage will tell us about Hopi names.

Paragraphs two and three argue against the Mill and Levi-Strauss’ view. The author uses a few examples of Hopi naming practices to show that Mill and Levi-Strauss’ views are incomplete.

Paragraph four is the conclusion and main point of the passage. Hopi names are versatile. They fulfill the functions our Western names do, but they also have poetic beauty and they can describe events and characteristics of individuals.

This evidence about Hopi names shows that Mill and Levi-Strauss’ theories are incomplete. Note that the author doesn’t say their theories are wrong, only incomplete.

It’s important to understand exactly what Mill and Levi Strauss meant.

Mill:

“Names don’t mean anything, but they do let us tell people apart. Joe is not Jim.”

Levi-Strauss:

“Names can indicate social class. Tell me your name and I’ll tell you whether you are rich or poor.”

The author agrees that names can do these things. But they think that names do other things as well.

Most of the passage is about the Hopi. But they are just an example. The author’s true purpose is to criticize Mill and Levi-Strauss’ theories of names.

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