Alice Rudge, a Lecturer in Anthropology at SOAS, dives into the lives of the Batek people of Malaysia, detailing their rich ethical frameworks amid environmental changes. She explores how their sensory experiences shape community interaction and identity, focusing on the impact of modern developments on their ancestral lands. Rudge reveals the nuances of 'ha'ip,' an emotional concept weaving together longing and love. The Batek's stories challenge conventional views of cultural difference, emphasizing their negotiating agency within a fragile ecosystem and uncertain future.

Alice Rudge, a Lecturer in Anthropology at SOAS, University of London, delves into the lives of the Batek people in Malaysia's rainforests. She discusses their adaptation to environmental changes and the impact of modernization on their cultural identity. The conversation highlights the role of language in their relationship with the ecosystem, challenging colonial narratives about their voicelessness. Rudge also explores themes of cooperative autonomy, emphasizing how social dynamics shape personal freedoms while navigating the complexities of their world.