Linguistic Anthropology: Meaning, Careers, Jobs, Degree

Linguistic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of language as a cultural and social phenomenon. Linguistic anthropologists study the ways in which language shapes and reflects cultural practices, beliefs, and values, as well as how language is used to create social relationships and identities. Studies of topics like visual perception (color), perception, and surroundings have benefited greatly from the application of anthropological linguistics. The origin of diverse languages that have developed from various geographical places is another topic covered by anthropological linguistics. Such distinctions are studied by anthropological linguistics, which also relates them to the different kinds of cultures that have developed.

Let’s take a closer look at what this course is all about.

Must Read: BTech Industrial Engineering: Syllabus, Subjects, Colleges

What is Linguistic Anthropology?

Linguistic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that examines the relationship between language and culture. It is concerned with the study of language as a cultural and social phenomenon, and the ways in which language is used to create, maintain, and transform social relationships and identities. Linguistic anthropologists are interested in how language is used in various social contexts, such as in conversation, storytelling, and ritual, and how it reflects cultural values, beliefs, and practices.

Role and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a linguistic anthropologist can vary depending on the specific job or position they hold. Here are some common roles and responsibilities:

• Linguistic anthropologists conduct research to better understand the relationships between language, culture, and society. They may collect data through fieldwork, interviews, surveys, and other methods.
• After collecting data, linguistic anthropologists analyze it using various techniques, such as discourse analysis, ethnography, and sociolinguistics, to identify patterns, themes, and cultural practices.
• Many linguistic anthropologists work as university professors, teaching courses on linguistics, anthropology, and related subjects. They develop course materials, deliver lectures, and provide feedback to students.
• Linguistic anthropologists may work as consultants for organizations that require knowledge of language and culture. They may advise on issues related to intercultural communication, language policy, and language revitalization.
•  Linguistic anthropologists publish their research findings in academic journals, books, and other publications. They may also write popular books, blogs, and other materials to communicate their findings to a broader audience.
• Linguistic anthropologists may advocate for the preservation of endangered languages and cultures, as well as for the rights of language minorities and marginalized communities.

Courses for Linguistic Anthropology

Courses	Eligibility
Master’s degree in Linguistic Anthropology: Many universities offer a master’s degree in linguistic anthropology. This program typically requires two years of study and involves coursework, fieldwork, and a thesis.	Candidate must be a bachelor with at least 55%
Ph.D. in Linguistic Anthropology: A Ph.D. program in linguistic anthropology usually requires five to six years of study and involves advanced coursework, independent research, and a dissertation.	Candidate must be Masters In Linguistics Anthropology or any other related course
Dual degree programs: Some universities offer joint degree programs in linguistic anthropology and related fields such as linguistics, sociology, or psychology.	For Bachelors 10+2For Master Completion of Graduation
Postdoctoral research: linguistic anthropologists may pursue postdoctoral research opportunities to gain additional experience and further develop their research skills.	After completing a Ph.D. program candidates are eligible for this program

Linguistic Anthropology Colleges Abroad 

There are many universities and colleges that offer programs in linguistic anthropology. Here are some examples of institutions that have strong programs in this field

Universities	Qs Ranking 2023
University of California Berkeley	27
University of Michigan	25
University of Arizona	262
University of California, Los Angeles	44
University of Pennsylvania	13

Skills Required

Linguistic anthropology requires a combination of skills from anthropology and linguistics, as well as skills in communication, research, and analysis. Here are some skills that are important for success in this field:

• Communication skills 
• Research skills
• Cultural competence
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Good Observation 

Admission Process

The admission process for linguistic anthropology programs varies depending on the institution and the level of study (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). Here are some general steps you may need to follow:

• Start by researching linguistic anthropology programs to find ones that match your interests and career goals. Look for institutions that have faculty members with research interests that align with your own.
• Most linguistic anthropology programs have specific admission requirements, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Make sure you meet all of these requirements before submitting your application.
• Many programs require applicants to take standardized tests such as the GRE or TOEFL. Make sure you know which tests are required and prepare accordingly.
• Once you have gathered all the required materials, submit your application by the deadline. Some programs may require an application fee.
• Some programs may require an interview as part of the admission process. This may be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conference.

Documents Required 

This is the checklist of required documents 

• Statements of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Academic Transcripts 
• Passports 
• Passports size Photographs 
• Address proof

Must Read: Bachelor of Dermal Science

English Proficiency Test Scores 

This is the eligible score for English proficiency test 

IELTS	TOEFL	PTE	Duolingo
6 overall	91 Above	57 Above	110 Above

Career and Scope 

Linguistic anthropology offers a range of career opportunities, both within academia and beyond. Here are some examples of careers in this field:

• Professor/researcher
• Language documentation specialist
• Forensic linguist
• Cultural consultant
• Grant writer
• Social media analyst

Jobs Prospect and Salary 

Linguistic anthropology offers a variety of job prospects in academia, research institutes, and various industries. Here are some examples of job titles and their corresponding salaries (based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale)

Job Position	Average Salary In $	Average Salary In INR
Anthropology professor	$68,970 per year	INR 56.89 Lakh
Language documentation specialist	$51,014 per year	INR 42.08 Lakh
Forensic linguist	$65,320 per year	INR 53.88 Lakh
Cultural consultant	$60,888 per year	INR 50.23 Lakh
Social media analyst	$57,228 per year	INR 42.21 Lakh
Grant write	$48,707 per year	INR 40.18 Lakh

Top Companies 

Linguistic anthropology is a diverse field with a range of job opportunities, so the top recruiters can vary depending on the specific area of focus. Here are some examples of organizations and industries that may be interested in hiring individuals with a background in linguistic anthropology:

• Universities and colleges
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Language technology companies
• Law enforcement agencies

FAQs

We hope this Blog gives you an insight into Linguistic Anthropology, if you want to know more about the course or aspire to study abroad at a top university call us at 1800 57 2000 for free counseling.