Robert Burling: A Legacy in Anthropology and Linguistics
The study of human culture and communication requires a multidisciplinary approach, blending the scientific rigor of anthropology with the nuance of linguistics. Few scholars embodied this intersection as comprehensively as Robert Burling, whose academic journey spanned several of the world's most prestigious institutions and extended into deep field research across South Asia.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Dr. F. Temple and Katherine White Burling, Robert Burling was the eldest of three children. His pursuit of higher education began at Yale University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1950. He later advanced his studies at Harvard University, obtaining a Ph.D. in Anthropology in 1958.
Burling's transition into academia was seamless. He served as a teaching fellow in Anthropology at Harvard during the fall of 1953, as well as the spring terms of 1954 and 1957, establishing a foundation for his future as an educator.
Professional Evolution and Institutional Roles
Following his doctoral studies, Burling joined the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Anthropology. He served as an instructor from 1957 to 1959 and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Professor of Anthropology, a role he held from 1959 to 1963. During this same period, he contributed to the preservation of cultural artifacts as the Assistant Curator of General Ethnology—the study of the characteristics of different peoples and the differences and relationships between them—at the University Museum.
Burling's commitment to global scholarship led him to Burma (now Myanmar) from 1959 to 1960. As a visiting lecturer through the Fulbright Program, he taught in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Rangoon.
The most significant chapter of his teaching career took place at the University of Michigan. From 1966 to 1995, he served as an Associate Professor of Anthropology and an Associate of the Center for South and Southeast Asian Studies. Upon his retirement, he was honored as professor emeritus of Anthropology and Linguistics.
Research Specializations and Fieldwork
Dr. Burling's scholarly work was characterized by a focus on the mechanics of human interaction. He specialized in language, human evolution, and comprehension in communication, seeking to understand how humans develop the ability to convey and interpret complex meanings.
To ground his theories in empirical evidence, Burling conducted extensive research in Bangladesh and India, contributing valuable data to the fields of linguistics and anthropology in South Asia.
Key Facts
- Education: Undergraduate degree from Yale (1950); Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard (1958).
- Primary Specializations: Language, human evolution, and communication comprehension.
- Major Academic Affiliations: Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rangoon, and University of Michigan.
- Field Research Locations: India and Bangladesh.
- Emeritus Status: Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Michigan.
| Period | Institution/Location | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1953–1957 | Harvard University | Teaching Fellow |
| 1957–1963 | University of Pennsylvania | Instructor / Assistant Professor |
| 1959–1963 | University Museum | Assistant Curator of General Ethnology |
| 1959–1960 | University of Rangoon, Burma | Fulbright Visiting Lecturer |
| 1966–1995 | University of Michigan | Associate Professor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Robert Burling receive his doctoral degree?
Robert Burling earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard University in 1958.
What were the primary focuses of Dr. Burling's research?
He specialized in the study of language, human evolution, and the processes of comprehension in communication.
In which countries did Dr. Burling conduct extensive fieldwork?
Dr. Burling conducted his extensive research in India and Bangladesh.
What was Burling's role at the University of Michigan?
He was an Associate Professor of Anthropology and an Associate of the Center for South and Southeast Asian Studies from 1966 to 1995, eventually becoming professor emeritus of Anthropology and Linguistics.
Did Robert Burling have experience in museum curation?
Yes, from 1959 to 1963, he served as the Assistant Curator of General Ethnology at the University Museum.