In the "dedication," de vaca refers to the native americans as "the numerous, barbarous people." why does he use the term barbarous, given his relationship with the native americans, the description of their humanity and the overall purpose of the narrative?

Answer with Explanation:

Cabeza de Vaca was known as an explorer of the New World (places lying mostly in Oceania and America). He was sent to explore La Florida (old Florida) by King Charles V. Upon their exploration, they encountered Native Americans who harassed them (that time, they were searching for gold). They fought days and nights with the inhabitants and later on, were enslaved by different tribes.

Over time, their number declined, leaving only four of them to survive. Upon his exploration in Texas, he was able to encounter people who were indigenous and lived with them. By this time, he was able to sympathize with their condition and started working as a "trader" and "healer." He established a group which attracted many followers.

All of de Vaca's encounters were written in "The Narrative of Cabeza de Vaca." The "Dedication" or "Introduction" tells much about his purpose in exploring the New World. By stating "the numerous, barbarous people," he was relating to what he experienced when he encountered them as I have stated above. This was before he realized their actual condition.

Thus, this explains the answer.