Question

Which American linguist was also an anthropologist?

• A. Leonard Bloomfield
• B. Edward Sapir
• C. Roman Jakobson
• D. Morris Halle

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Edward Sapir

Edward Sapir (1884-1939) was an American linguist and anthropologist who was a pioneer in both fields. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of linguistics in the United States. 

Sapir's work: 

• Combined linguistics, psychology, and anthropology

• Pioneered work in language and gender, historical linguistics, and psycholinguistics

• Studied many native American languages, including Takelma, Chinook, Yana, Southern Paiute, Ute, Nootka, Sarcee, Navajo, and Hupa

• Argued that all cultures have cultural variation

• Found the idea of the unconscious important

• Pointed out that individual and social behavior are inextricably linked