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Linguistic anthropology explores how language functions within social settings across different time periods. Similar to general anthropology, it employs comparative methods. Although fields like linguistics also examine language, linguistic anthropology distinguishes itself by prioritizing ethnographic studies of language in practical use. This discipline seeks to enhance our understanding of diverse human societies through this perspective. At Brown University, linguistic anthropology adopts a semiotic perspective and stresses analyzing language within social frameworks. These methodologies enable students from various anthropological specialties or other academic fields to incorporate linguistic anthropology concepts into their work. The curriculum features both foundational classes and higher-level options, with specialized courses focusing on language's connections to Brown's key research areas such as Latin American studies, media and society, political inequality, and medical science research.