Linguistic Anthropology Case Study

Anthropology is the crux of understanding human behavior. It is divided into four sub-fields; Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Linguistic anthropology, all of which attempt to understand the human condition. According to Sonoma Sate University Archaeology understand human behavior though our past. While Biological Anthropology discusses the evolution of the human mind and body. As for cultural anthropology we see an exploration of diversity and how human behavior interrelates in the modern world. Last but not least, Linguistic Anthropology attempts to understand human behavior though the structure and diversity of language.

The human behavior in daily life I would like to discuss is that of greeting someone,

For example, In the United States, a woman may offer their hand first for a handshake, essentially the same ratio to that of a man. However, when compared on a global basis, a woman offers her hand first the majority of the time. Additionally, in countries such as Brazil and the United States, a firm handshake is not only expected, but is how others make a judgment on one’s character (all based on the firmness). This would not be culturally appropriate and be considered too rough in the United Kingdom, as the British prefer to greet each other with a lighter, more sensitive and sincere handshake. As states previously, every country hence has a unique set of customs and norms established within their culture. As a student studying Anthropology, it is not only important for Anthropologists but also myself to recognize and respect the cultural differences in communication methods such as gestures. It is noted that, “Linguistic anthropologists are not only interested in written or spoken languages, they study all forms of communication. Gestures (including American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, choices about clothing or jewelry, even the physical distance we maintain between ourselves and others all send culturally specific messages” (Linguistic Anthropology). These culturally specific messages and greeting gestures can range from anything such

I myself, never considered much about the different aspects or even prioritized the exchange itself. However, my inexperienced thoughts mainly stem from my culture and the lack of importance (I once thought) it put on handshake. I was conditioned to learn that a handshake was not only appropriate but courteous in a greeting exchange, however that was it and it was actually not that big of a deal. Researching the prominence in different cultures and the characteristics that come with each acceptable handshake (eye contact, soft or firm, bowing, nod, kiss, etc.) created a greater understanding for myself that this gesture, a simple hand grasp between two people, can go a long way as a form of communication and a sign of