Essay on Linguistics in Anthropology - 634 Words

Linguistics in Anthropology When we begin to dive into the study of humans, also known as Anthropology, there are so many subdivisions we can learn about. One very interesting clump within the study of Anthropology can be classified as Linguistic Anthropology. In this instance, anthropologists study language and how the development and its use can be studied to understand culture. According to the department of Anthropology at California State University Long beach, Anthropologists are interested in learning â€Å"how many languages there are, how those languages are distributed across the world, and their contemporary and historical relationships. We are also interested in language variation, why variations exist, how the variations are used†¦show more content†¦This can help to discover why some humans speak a certain way or how social groups differ from one another. In addition this gives an insight to how humans in the past might have interacted with each other when they were in different social groups. We use developmental linguistics to uncover the process of speech development. We are able to understand why people develop a certain ways in regards to speech, what influences their speech habits, and how speech plays a role in development as well. One case study, about a little girl Genie, who was neglected and abused by her family, shows how language is critical in child development. â€Å"The only words addressed to her were angry ones. She could say ‘stopit’, ‘nomore,’ ‘no,’ and a few other negative words. At age 13, she understood only 20 words† (Ellensburg). With limited speech interaction and abuse from her parents, she had many mental and physical disabilities. Developmental linguistics magnifies how important language is and the effects it can have on those who have no understanding of language. When learning about how our brain interacts with language, we learn about neurolinguistics. Researchers try to find out how the brain can understand the complexity that is the human language. It goes much deeper than us being able to memorize words. We have to understand imaging, theoretical ideas and situations, time, sarcasm, mannerism, and much more. This is something that cannot be figured out by aShow MoreRelatedAnthropology : The Field Of Linguistic Anthropology912 Words   |  4 Pages Originally, linguistics was my intended major. Recently, I decided to switch my major to anthropology, and more specifically, the field of linguistic anthropology. For the linguistics major, one of my requirements for transferring to a university was to take a language and culture class. Several of the first lectures focused on the history of linguistics and anthropology. I was introduced to the idea that language, thought, and culture all influence each other. This meant that studying la nguageRead MoreCultural Anthropology : Anthropology And Behavioral Patterns907 Words   |  4 PagesJordonnia Scarlett Professor Ellen Hamrick Cultural Anthropology March 5, 2015 As I sat down to write this paper I was a bit disoriented. The topic of anthropology/anthropologist seemed simple, yet boring. Subsequent researching the prompt questions, my friend called. Without allowing him to speak, I said, â€Å"writing a paper on anthropologists, can’t talk.† Before I could hang up, responded quickly saying â€Å"if I were an anthropologist I would be a linguistic anthropologist.† Immediately I realized my ignoranceRead MoreEssay about Cultural Studies 1st Exam1573 Words   |  7 Pagesterminology or name in the space provided by each statement. Some terms may not be used. 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