Field of Linguistic Studies

In linguistic studies, we analyze language. It is broken down and studied in its many forms. In analyzing language, the content, function, and structure are important to understand as there are many facets to a language. In this paper, the field of anthropological linguistics will be described as well as the contributions to understanding the foundations of human language and its features. Examples will be defined as to gain a greater understanding of phonemes, morphemes, syntax, and other semantic elements of language. Finally, an explanation of the role gestures serve in communication will be explored in detail.

Dictionary.com defines anthropological linguistics as “the study of language in relation to culture, including the recording and analysis of the languages of nonliterate societies (Anthropological linguistics | Define Anthropological linguistics at Dictionary.com, n.d., p. 1).” Historical linguistics is the study of language of the course of time. Language is the foundation of what makes us human. Studying the various aspects of language in the multitude of cultures over the history of time gives us an understanding of a piece of the human experience and how people relate to one another. A painter cannot paint a landscape without first learning how to paint the trees, sky, and birds. Although the final product may be beautiful, it is in the details that makes the picture most wonderful. This is true for language. We must understand the features and foundation of language in order to understand it in its entirety.

In breaking down language, there are many parts. There are phonemes, morphemes, syntax, and other semantic elements of language. Phonemes are sounds that can be altered to change the meaning of a word (O'Neil, 2007, p. 2). For example, the words key and car may sound the same to many but have vastly different meanings and also tongue movement.

Morphemes are taking the phonemes and making them into small units of language (O’Neil. p. 7). Unladylike would have three morphemes. Syntax is the set of rules in a language. O’Neil states that in the English language, sentence structure is important (O’Neil p. 8). For example, “Are