What Can Linguistic Anthropologists Learn from Studying the Focal Vocabulary

question 53

Essay

What can linguistic anthropologists learn from studying the focal vocabulary of a social group? Why would words that show a particular sophistication and that describe unique cultural realities of a group of people be useful to investigate? Discuss one example of how the focal vocabulary of a language has changed or may change in the future, and discuss how men and women may have different vocabularies on particular topics.

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Definitions:

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.

Militarization

The process of equipping or preparing a group, organization, or country with military resources, skills, or approaches.

SWAT Units

Specialized police units that deal with high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers, such as hostage situations and counter-terrorism.

Street Level Policing

Describes law enforcement activities and interactions that occur directly between police officers and the public, typically on patrol in communities.