Examine the topic for discussions of fossils, prehistoric man, forensics, primates or osteology (bones). If these issues are central to the topic, then identify the topic as "biological anthropology."
Examine the topic for discussions of ancient civilizations, tool-making or the societies of people who are no longer living. If these issues are central to the topic, then identify the topic as "archaeology."
Examine the topic for discussions of the politics, economics, religion, rituals, beliefs, music or social organization of currently living peoples. If these issues are central to the topic, then identify the topic as "cultural anthropology" (or "social anthropology").
Examine the topic for discussions of the syntax, semantics, creoles, code-switching, slang or other ideas relating directly to the construction of language. If these issues are central to the topic, then identify the topic as "linguistics."