Question

Linguistic Anthropology deals with :

• A. Local languages and dialects
• B. Phonology, morphology and syntax of languages
• C. Story telling and oral narratives
• D. Oral Traditions

Hint:

Remember the three important structural components of language: Phonology = sounds, Morphology = word formation, Syntax = sentence structure. These are central areas of linguistic anthropology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Linguistic Anthropology is a major branch of anthropology that studies language in relation to human society, culture, and communication. It examines:
• Structure of language,
• Evolution of language,
• Social use of language,
• Cultural meanings of communication,
• Relationship between language and society. The technical and structural study of language especially includes:
• Phonology,
• Morphology,
• Syntax.

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of linguistic anthropology. Linguistic Anthropology studies how language functions within human societies and cultures. The discipline focuses on:
• Sound systems,
• Word formation,
• Sentence structure,
• Communication patterns,
• Cultural transmission through language. Thus, language structure becomes a central concern.

Step 2: Understanding the technical components of language. The question mentions: \[ \text{Phonology, morphology and syntax} \] These are important branches of linguistic study.
• Phonology deals with speech sounds and sound patterns,
• Morphology studies word formation and structure,
• Syntax studies sentence structure and grammatical arrangement. These subjects form the core foundation of linguistic anthropology and linguistics. Hence, this option directly matches the discipline.

Step 3: Analyzing the remaining options carefully. Option (A): \[ \text{Local languages and dialects} \] Although linguistic anthropologists may study local languages and dialects, this option is incomplete because the discipline goes far beyond merely identifying languages. Thus, this option is not the best answer. Option (C): \[ \text{Story telling and oral narratives} \] Storytelling may be studied within linguistic anthropology, especially in relation to culture and communication, but it is not the central defining feature of the field. Hence, this option is incomplete. Option (D): \[ \text{Oral Traditions} \] Oral traditions are also studied in anthropology and folklore studies, but linguistic anthropology mainly focuses on language structure and linguistic systems. Therefore, this option is also not the most accurate answer.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Since linguistic anthropology primarily studies structural aspects of language such as phonology, morphology, and syntax, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Phonology, morphology and syntax of languages}} \]