WAV, we (and this includes you) are all ignorant in many fields. If you have distinctions in anthropology, that may qualify you to speak with a measure of authority in that field (although from what you said subsequently, it doesn't sound like you've followed it up very extensively). Actually, even an advanced degree in anthropology does not qualify you to speak with authority on astronomy, nuclear physics, Baroque music, neurosurgery—or ethnomusicology (which happens to be the academic term for the subject of this thread's discussion).

I, for one, have long been fascinated by astronomy and all things relating to it, which includes theoretical physics. It was not my major field of study in college (English Literature and Music were), but I took two astronomy courses in college and have read extensively in the field, and I definitely know more than the average person on the subject. However—if I were fortunate enough to find myself talking with someone such as Michio Kaku or Stephen Hawking, I would ask many questions, but then I would shut up and listen to what they have to say. I would not pontificate to them and try to show them how full my tea cup is (see parable in above post). This would be too good an opportunity for me to listen and learn.

If, indeed, learning is the goal. Pontificating may pump up one's ego, but it cuts off the opportunity to expand one's knowledge.

Folk music is such a varied and extensive field of study that four years' acquaintance with it, even deep immersion in it, doesn't even serve out an apprenticeship. There are many highly knowledgeable people here on this web forum, and Frank Hamilton (have you checked the links?) is one of the most knowledgeable.

Don Firth