Linguistic Anthropology Flashcards

Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology

Transition to Linguistic Anthropology

• The first half of the semester introduced anthropology as a discipline and anthropological fieldwork.

• Discussions included cultural universals and particulars.

• Explored aspects of economic anthropology, anthropology of religion, and medical anthropology.

Why Linguistic Anthropology?

• Examines the cultural aspects of language.

• Acknowledges abstract, cognitive, and biological dimensions of language, but emphasizes the richness and complexity that extends beyond these dimensions.

• Examples:

  • T A ’ R O O F I N I R A N

  • K A R I B U I N S W A H I L I

  • BACK-CHANNELING

  • PERSONAL SPACE

Key Difference: Linguistic vs. Communicative Competence

• Highlights the distinction between linguistic competence (grammar rules and vocabulary) and communicative competence.

• Language exists in its spoken form, between people, emphasizing its social aspect.

Language Inside and Beyond

• Refers to Agar's concept of language existing inside and beyond a defined circle.

• Mentions pronouns in German as an example.

Lippi-Green’s Thought Experiment

• Language use and its differences serve as tools for identity formation.

• These differences can also be grounds for discrimination and the exercise of power. Language use is related to identity formation, discrimination, and power dynamics

Core Concepts

• Language is inherently social, existing only when spoken and used among people.

• Language is a cultural resource, enabling actions and self-presentation.

• Language is socially embedded and culturally influenced.

What is Linguistic Anthropology?

• Examines the relationship between culture, language, and thought.

Three Sets of Questions in Linguistic Anthropology

Language

• Is language uniquely human?

• What does it mean to speak a language?

• Does language impact the way we perceive the world?

Language and Social Interaction

• How do we learn a language?

• How do we learn to communicate appropriately?

• How are interactions socially and culturally shaped?

Language and Power, Language and Ideologies

• How is language enmeshed with cultural values and social power?

• How are differences or inequalities (e.g., gender, race) created, reproduced, or challenged through language?

Key Terms

• Linguistic competence

• Communicative competence

• Lippi-Green’s thought experiment

• Language as inherently social

• Language as a cultural resource