In hunter/gatherer cultures, children learned to hunt, fish, and to defend themselves by means of:

Question

Play-based imitation of activities
formal apprenticeships
bonded servitude
rote memorization

Answer 1

Play-based imitation of activities: In hunter/gatherer cultures, children learned various skills by imitating the activities of the adults around them. This was done through play, where children would observe and mimic the actions of hunters, gatherers, fishers, and defenders in a simulated manner. Play was considered crucial for developing practical skills and knowledge.

Formal apprenticeships: As children grew older, they would often enter formal apprenticeships to further develop their skills. This typically involved being mentored by experienced adults, who would teach them the techniques and knowledge necessary for hunting, fishing, and defending themselves. The apprenticeship system allowed for a structured and hands-on learning experience.

Bonded servitude: In some hunter/gatherer cultures, children may have been subjected to bonded servitude as a means of learning and developing skills. This could involve being assigned to specific individuals or families, essentially becoming their servants or helpers. Through this arrangement, children would learn by directly assisting and observing their masters in activities such as hunting, fishing, and self-defense.

Rote memorization: While less emphasized compared to the other methods, rote memorization may have played a role in cultivating knowledge and skills in hunter/gatherer cultures. Certain important information, such as animal behaviors, edible plant identification, and survival techniques, could be taught through repetition and memorization. This was to ensure that critical knowledge was retained by the younger generation and passed down accurately.