"Portraits of ‘The Whiteman‘: Linguistic Play and Cultural Symbols Among the Western Apache" by Keith H. Basso is a seminal work in linguistic anthropology, exploring the intricate ways in which language and cultural symbols shape Western Apache identity and understanding of the world. The book delves into the unique linguistic practices and storytelling traditions of the Western Apache, focusing on the role of "The Whiteman" as a cultural symbol and a vehicle for social commentary. Basso analyzes how Western Apache narratives and anecdotes about "The Whiteman" act as both a reflection of their own culture and a means of negotiating their relationship with a dominant, external culture. He examines the linguistic play, metaphors, and rhetorical strategies used to convey complex social and cultural meanings, highlighting the subversive and humorous ways the Western Apache utilize language to critique and challenge dominant power structures. This book provides a rich and insightful exploration of the relationship between language, culture, and identity, revealing the powerful role of linguistic play in shaping social understanding and cultural change.