Anthropology, derived from Greek words meaning 'man' and 'thought', studies the origin and development of human societies and cultures. The four main branches include cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, each focusing on different aspects of human life and history. Modern advancements in technology have enhanced the capacity for anthropologists to analyze complex data regarding human cultures and their evolution.

1. ANTHROPOLOGY
Lesson 1

2. • The word anthropology is derived from two Greek words: anthropos
meaning “man” or “human” and logos, meaning “thought” or “reason.”
• Anthropology is the study of the origin and development of human
societies and cultures. Culture is the learned behavior of people, including
their languages, belief systems, social structures, institutions, and
material goods. Anthropologists study the characteristics of past and
present human communities through a variety of techniques. In doing so,
they investigate and describe how different peoples of our world lived
throughout history. Anthropologists specialize in cultural or social
anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological or physical anthropology,
and archaeology.

3. MAIN 4 BRANCHES
• Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on
understanding the cultural aspects of
human societies, including customs,
traditions, rituals, social structures, and
everyday life. Cultural anthropologists
study how cultures develop, interact, and
change over time.

4. • Archaeology: Involves the study of past
human societies through their material
remains, such as tools, pottery, and
architecture. Archaeologists work to
reconstruct the history of human life and
societies, often by excavating sites and
analyzing artifacts.

5. • Biological (or Physical) Anthropology:
Examines the biological and physical
aspects of humans, such as human
evolution, genetics, and the relationship
between biology and behavior. It includes
the study of fossils, human genetics,
primatology (the study of primates), and
forensic anthropology.

6. • Linguistic Anthropology: Studies language
in its social and cultural context, exploring
how language shapes communication,
identity, and social relationships. Linguistic
anthropologists examine the history,
structure, and use of language within
different communities.

7. • History of Anthropology
Throughout history, the study of anthropology has reflected our evolving
relationships with other people and cultures. These relationships are deeply
connected to political, economic, and social forces present at different points in
history. The study of history was an important aspect of ancient Greek and
Roman cultures, which focused on using reason and inquiry to understand and
create just societies.
• Anthropology Today
New technologies and emerging fields of study enable contemporary
anthropologists to uncover and analyze more complex information about peoples
and cultures. Archaeologists and biological anthropologists use CT scanners,
which combine a series of X-ray views taken from different angles, to produce
cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside human remains.