Are Anthropologists who learn about the past by studying buried discards of a civilization are called linguists?

No, anthropologists who study the past by examining buried discards are not called linguists.

Here's why:

* Linguists study language: They analyze the structure, history, and evolution of languages. They are not directly involved in archaeological digs.

* Archaeologists are the anthropologists who study the past by excavating and analyzing material remains like pottery, tools, and buildings. They are the ones who would examine buried discards to understand past civilizations.

So, while both linguists and archaeologists are anthropologists, they focus on different aspects of human history and culture.