Meaning: The quote "Anthropologists are a connecting link between poets and scientists; though their field-work among primitive peoples has often made them forget the language of science" by Robert Graves, a renowned novelist and poet, provides a thought-provoking insight into the interdisciplinary nature of anthropology and the challenges faced by anthropologists in balancing their work between the realms of poetry and science.

Anthropology, as a discipline, encompasses the study of human societies, cultures, and their development throughout history. It is often considered a bridge between the humanities and the social sciences, drawing on methodologies and theories from both fields. The quote suggests that anthropologists play a crucial role in connecting the imaginative and expressive qualities of poetry with the empirical and analytical aspects of scientific inquiry.

The reference to anthropologists as a "connecting link" between poets and scientists highlights the unique position of anthropologists as interpreters and observers of human behavior and cultural practices. They are tasked with understanding and conveying the complexities of human societies while navigating between the subjective, emotive lens of poetry and the objective, systematic approach of science. This duality of perspectives underscores the interdisciplinary nature of anthropology and the diverse skills and insights it demands from practitioners.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the challenges anthropologists face in maintaining a balance between their immersive fieldwork experiences and the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry. The mention of "field-work among primitive peoples" suggests that anthropologists often engage in immersive, firsthand research within traditional or indigenous communities. This type of fieldwork can be transformative, exposing anthropologists to different worldviews, cultural practices, and ways of understanding human existence.

However, the quote also implies that such intense engagement with "primitive peoples" may sometimes lead anthropologists to "forget the language of science." This notion speaks to the potential tension between the empathetic, humanistic approach required for effective fieldwork and the detached, methodological rigor expected in scientific research. Anthropologists must navigate this tension to ensure that their work remains both empathetic and academically sound.

In essence, the quote by Robert Graves encapsulates the nuanced role of anthropologists as intermediaries between the realms of poetry and science, while also highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in their work. It underscores the need for anthropologists to balance their empathetic understanding of diverse cultures with the rigorous methodologies of scientific inquiry, all while serving as interpreters and connectors between different modes of knowledge and understanding.

Overall, the quote provokes contemplation on the multifaceted nature of anthropology and the pivotal role it plays in bridging the gap between the humanistic and scientific dimensions of understanding human societies and cultures.