Anthropological Linguistics

University of Bern, Spring 2025

MA and advanced BA

Description: This class provides an introduction to Anthropological linguistics, the study of human language in its social and cultural context. We examine theories on universalism and relativism and discuss their impact on the study of language with a focus on endangered languages. The course covers core concepts in anthropological linguistics such as kinship, politeness, color, and space. Further guiding questions concern the mechanisms by which culture might shape language, the universality of such processes and how much they can vary depending on context.

Download the syllabus

If you’re interested in teaching a similar class and would like access to the full class materials, please contact me.