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Culture, Language and Communication – Anthropology Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 9 Culture, Language and Communication questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, with the latest questions first.

Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.

9 questions

  1. Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought. [2025/15m/6c]

  2. Write a short note on: Glottochronology. [2023/10m/150w/5c]

  3. Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings. [2021/15m/4b]

  4. Write a short note on: Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. [2020/10m/150w/1b]

  5. Explain how variations in language usage is related to social inequality. [2020/20m/7a]

  6. Critically examine that the structure and content of language are influenced by culture. [2018/15m/3c]

  7. Write a short note on: Non-verbal communication. [2017/10m/150w/1d]

  8. Write a short note on: Linguistic Anthropology. [2013/10m/150w/1d]

  9. State the theories regarding the origin of spoken language in human societies both from biological and cultural points of view. [2010/30m/4a]

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Back to: Anthropology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Anthropology Optional year-wise question papers

Last updated: 30 October 2026