It is composed of four basic branches. Historical linguistics deals with the emergence of language and how languages have changed and diverged over time. Sociolinguistics is the study of the relationship between language and social relations. As an example, sociolinguists might study how one's social standing affects his or her language usage. Finally, ethnolinguistics is the examination of the relationship between culture and language.
Applied anthropologists use their knowledge to solve contemporary problems.
The methods, theories, and principles of anthropology are used to help elucidate and resolve societal issues and problems. There is no single, systematic method that can generate scientific knowledge. Science is as varied as those who practice it. The scientist's world is incomplete and uncertain. Data and ideas abound, and one goal is to provide some order to the apparent chaos.