Final answer:
The three main branches of linguistic anthropology examine the origins and development of language, how language shapes cognitive processes, and how it's used to create communities and identities, with examples including hominin communication studies, the influence of language on color perception, and the work of Christopher Ball with the Wauja in Brazil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three main branches of linguistic anthropology focus on various aspects of language as it relates to human culture. Firstly, linguistic anthropologists might study the origins and development of language, aiming to understand how language has emerged and evolved as a part of our biological and sociocultural history. Secondly, they explore how language shapes our cognitive processes and the way individuals perceive and interact with the world. Finally, the third branch looks at how language is utilized to construct communities and identities, assert or resist power, and organize social action.
One example of research in the origins and development of language is the examination of early hominin communication and its evolutionary advantages. In terms of how language shapes our thought processes, researchers might investigate how different languages influence our categorization and interpretation of color. The study of language within social contexts, such as Christopher Ball's work with the Wauja in Brazil, illustrates how language creates communities, identities, and power dynamics through various forms of speech including rituals, names, and public addresses.