Tangled Tongue
I was reading an article about how a small tribe didn’t have numbers in their language and I was excited. Granted, it’s more on the linguistic side of anthropology, but still, it’s partially cultural. Stuff I don’t understand yet because I’ve just begun studying this subject.
Anyhow, I did something I rarely do and started reading the comments for the article. I’m still not sure why I did. I began reading through and nothing but insults or blah blah. Then, someone starts mentioning anthropology as a “soft science” and the differences between hard and soft sciences and went a little off base. Off, in that they assumed anthropology as only cultural, not the four areas that it covers. I wanted SO bad to post a reply, explain how they were mistaken, that the part of anthropology they were comparing to psychology and biological sciences one only that…a PART. They apparently didn’t realize that anthropology encompasses cultural, biological, linguistics, and archaeological aspects. They were talking about genetics and touched on evolution and variations and I just wanted to scream “I know what you THINK you’re talking about but you’re getting it wrong!”
But I didn’t. As much passion as I have for anthropology, I’m still learning, still trying to remember certain terms, specific theories, and details that escape me as when I really need them. I know it takes years, but it’s FRUSTRATING, having the general knowledge and understanding but not the capability to spit it out and remember it in context or conversation.
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Jennifer said,
August 22, 2004 @ 11:59 am
My sister got her BA in Anthropology. I have had many discussions with her about it and it is fascinating. She prefers the cultural and linguistic side of it but spent a summer in Belize studying Mayan ruins as part of her field requirement to get her degree. Now she is looking into getting her masters in either history or linguistics.
People who pass judgement are usually too opinionated and biased to see that anthropology has an important place in science as does genetics and other “hard sciences”. In my opinion, they are all inter-related and draw information from each other.
jack said,
August 24, 2004 @ 10:12 am
I wonder if any of those who made the comments actually ever actually studied Anthropology.