Ruth Benedict

Franz Boas, a groundbreaking figure in American anthropology and linguistics, and Ruth Benedict, a key cultural anthropologist, delve into the fascinating dawn of American linguistics. They discuss Boas's transformative approach to documenting indigenous languages and his challenge to evolutionary frameworks of his time. The dialogue also highlights the clash of phonologies, examining Boas’s critiques of earlier anthropologists and his pivotal contributions to understanding sounds across cultures. Their insights illuminate the lasting legacy of Boas and his students in language sciences.

Holly talks about some of the details about Lucy Stone's life and husband that didn't make it into the episode. Tracy tells a story about first hearing of Ruth Benedict in an episode of "Designing Women."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.