Probably not exactly what you are looking for. Apologies in advance.
I would not point to similarities unless it is really necessary.
Perl works in its own world. You could program Perl in Java style if you like, but what's the point?
The most important lesson I've learned from Perl (and my Perl tutors) is "There Is More Than One Way To Do It". So I think the best way of learning Perl is embracing its attitude to programming and supporting each programmer as he or she finds his or her way.
The examples you are making, list functions etc., are things that come naturally with use -- you can only understand their power once you get the Perl "way of things".
Just my two cents.
