Linguistic Anthropology, Essay Example

Introduction

Anthropology may be classified as the study of mankind and linguistics focuses more upon the language elements of the existence of man.  As such, the concept of language or speech communication is what distinguishes mankind from animals. As such, the concept of linguistics is a subsidiary category of anthropology.  As linguistics has become a vehicle in the training of anthropologists there has been a certain level of trust between the two disciplines.  (Teeter).

Linguistic Anthropology – Identity Theory

It was Dell Hymes that coined the term ‘linguistic anthropology’ and termed the phrase an ethnography of communication.  One of the most concentrated areas of research focused around that sociological identity. Don Kulick was a linguistic anthropologist  who studied a village in Papua, New Guinea and examined a language called ‘Taiap’ that was not spoken anywhere but in their village.  This associated individuals with a personal sense of identity and belonging to a specific tribe of people. The research highlighted the personal autonomy of individuals.  Sheldon Stryker posed a theory of identity that was based upon symbolic identity in social groups (Burke, Owens and Serpe). Identity is considered to be more a cultural and sociological practice as opposed to that of a physchologic phenomenon. As such, it may be individually indexed through the use of labels. (Hall)

Conclusion

Anthropology has gained a great deal from the introduction of linguistics, particularly in the ethnography of speaking. Linguistic anthropology has helped to identify group memberships, facilitate both cultural and ideological beliefs and help in the determination of the logical order of a social world.

Works Cited

Burke, P.J., et al. Advances in identity theory and research. New York: Springer, 2003.

Hall, Mary Bucholtz and Kira. “Identity and interaction: a sociocultural linguistic approach.” Discourse Studies, Vol 7 (2005): 585-614.

Teeter, Karl V. “Linguistics and Anthropology.” Daedelus, Vol 102 Iss 3 (1973): 87-98.