Anthropology is a field of social sciences that focuses

on the study of man. This does not pertain only to one aspect
of man, but rather on the totality of what it means to be
human.
It is concerned with how cultural and biological
processes interact to shape human experience.
Anthropology considered as one of the most complex
areas of discipline, has explored various meanings of culture,
self, and identity in the desire of gaining a better
understanding of the self.
 Anthropology is an academic field for
understanding the interconnection and
interdependence of biological and cultural
aspects of the human experience at all times
and in all places.
So, how would Anthropology answer the
question: “Who Am I?”
The four (4) subfields of Anthropology namely:

Biological
Archaeology Linguistics
Anthropology

Cultural
Anthropology

These four subfields of Anthropology suggest that

human beings are very similar and very different at the same
time. Lately, people have come to realize that the similarities
and diversities among them is what makes life so interesting.
Archaeology
Archaeologists’ focus is the past and how it may
have contributed to the present ways of how people
conduct their daily lives. As a result, what Archaeologists
have so far discovered are the unique ways in which
human beings adapted to changes in their environment in
order for them to survive.
Archaeological data suggest that in many places
around the world, the species homo sapiens did not
become extinct because of their ability to think, use tools,
and learn from experience. They have adapted and
gained dominance over all of Earth’s creatures.
Archaeology
These discoveries of Archaeologists made
people realize that the most important aspect of
human nature is survival. All around the world,
people have struggled to survive and up to the
present, humans continue to adapt to survive. The
manner, however, that they choose to survive differs.
Indeed, people are so similar and yet so
different.
Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropologists focus primarily on
how the human body adapts to the different Earth
environments. They look at probable cause of
diseases, physical mutation and death.
They also want to know how human beings
might have evolved from their early forms. Biological
Anthropologists do comparative studies on human,
both living and dead, and other primates.
Biological Anthropology
These scientists are interested in explaining how the
biological characteristics of human beings affect how
they lived their lives. By studying people in different
places around the globe, these scientists have
discovered that while human beings do vary in their
biological make-up and behavior, there a lot more
similarities among them than there are differences.
Biological Anthropology
Human beings at present still share the same
biological strengths and vulnerabilities.
Biological characteristics human beings share
may earn for them complete dominion over all Earth
creatures and at the same time be the cause of their
extinction.
Linguistic Anthropology
Human survival is primarily linked to their ability
to communicate. This is another capability that
resulted from big human brains. An essential part of
human communication is language.
Language identifies a group of people. The
words, sounds, symbols, writings, and signs that are
used are reflections of a group’s culture.
Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic Anthropologists’ interest focuses on
using language as a means to discover a group’s
manner of social interaction and his world view.
They also study how language and modes of
communication change over time.
In the contemporary society, other forms of
languages have evolved which represent the
subculture of a particular group.
Linguistic Anthropology
Looking at language from the perspective of an
anthropologists shows how it is reflective of the time
and mode of thinking of the people using it.
Language adapts to the existing conditions in the
society. As societies changes and technologies
develop so the symbols and meaning people attach
to objects and events as expressed through the
language that they use and their manner of
communicating.
Cultural Anthropology
Culture is described as a group of people’s way of
life. IT includes their behaviors, beliefs, values, and
symbols that they accept (usually unconsciously) that are
socially transmitted through communication and imitation
from generation to generation.
Cultural Anthropologists are interested in knowing
what makes one group’s manner of living particular to that
group and forms an essential part of the members’
personal and social identity.
Cultural Anthropology

The contention that culture has a strong impact on

how the individual views himself is know as the
Theory of Cultural Determination. According to
this theory, human nature is determined by the
ideas, meanings, beliefs, and values learned as
members of a society.
This theory has both positive and negative
implications.
Cultural Anthropology

Cultural diversities are manifested in different

ways and at different levels of depth. Symbols are
considered the most superficial level of culture and
values belong to the deepest level or are considered
the core of culture.
The following are the ways in which culture may
manifest itself in people:
Cultural Anthropology
• Are the words, gestures, pictures, or objects
Symbols that have a recognized/accepted meaning in
a culture.

• Are persons from the past or present who

Heroes have characteristics that are important in a
culture.

• Are activities (maybe religious or social)

Rituals participated by a group of people for the
fulfillment of desired objectives.

Values
• Are considered to be the core of every culture.
Values involve human tendencies/preferences
towards good or bad , right or wrong.