Introduction

In this innovative textbook, Dr. Kamal K. Misra introduces anthropological linguistics to the beginners of the subject, highlighting the overlapping areas between linguistics and anthropology. The primary focus of the book is to make the reader realize that linguistic and anthropological knowledge most often complement each other in the holistic comprehension of human culture.

Content Overview

While on the one hand, it delineates various schools of thought in linguistics and the use of linguistic models in cultural analysis, on the other hand, it touches upon biological dimensions of human speaking, psychological dimensions of language acquisition, and socio-cultural implications of speech variation. Its thrust is not limited to theoretical discussions about the structure of human communication and directions of language change, but also on the application of anthropological linguistics in language planning in multilingual situations, language maintenance, and in jurisprudence etc.

Target Audience

Written in a clear and readable language, the book will surely appeal to undergraduate and graduate students of anthropology and linguistics of Indian Universities, and the general readers with an interest in language and culture.