Short notes
Linguistic Anthropology.
Linguistic Anthropology
Definition
Studies language across time & space
Example / case study
- Malinowski’s study of Trobriand Islanders.
- The Enduring Voices Project (National Geographic) documents endangered languages through audio-visual records.
Scope
Definition
Cultural Anthropology is the study of learned behaviour, beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and values of different human societies.
Example / case study
- Information is reconstructed almost entirely through archaeological evidence.
- Together they explain humans from biological, cultural, linguistic and historical perspectives.
- Anthropology today extends far beyond the study of tribes.
Thinkers
- E.A. Hoebel: “Anthropology is the study of man and his works.”
Relevance
Definition
Drives cycle of suffering until Moksha is attained.
Example / case study
- over-consumption of resources → karma teaches restraint.
- Lucia Michelutti (The Vernacularisation of Democracy, 2008) → Yadavs of UP link identity to Krishna descent.
- John Cort (Jains in the World, 2001) → Oswals consider themselves superior to other Jain castes (Shrimals, Porwals).
- Anuja Agrawal (Chaste Wives and Prostitute Sisters, 2008) → Bedia community narrates their Rajput origin despite prostitution as occupation.