How the Language We Use Can Bring About Unity
“We use language to communicate everything that’s important to us, everything we want others to know. We use language to tell stories that convey the meaning and truth we live by. Language can also be a means to create the future we want to live in. The language we use is one of the most unacknowledged components of bringing about social transformation.
The release this week of The 1619 Project documentary on Hulu, three years after the New York Times Magazine article1 fueled much national debate about how the use of racist language divides white working-class and Black working-class people who would otherwise share a common cause, is a stark reminder of the power of language. In this documentary, capitalism itself is said to have been built upon the ideology of race, a social construction that exploited all laborers, not just slaves, and divided them from the white, landed elite, the effects of which are still felt today. With ethnic diversity, women and gender, human rights, public policy, and ethics among the central issues and values of the field of linguistics, it would seem that more research could be done on how language can unite the human family, rather than separate it.
In these divisive times, using language to help bring about unity is critically important. Language can be a catalyst for the evolution of consciousness and can be used in ways that facilitate universal human rights, equality, and harmony.”
Read the whole article at Psychology Today
#1619Project #Unity #Solidarity #HumanRights
💬 How can we use language to promote the unity of people?
Did you like this topic? Then you might also enjoy reading the post “The Power of Compassion”
@globalBraid3744
Thank you for sharing this! It’s really interesting to think about. I’m from a country that isn’t very diverse and the idea of racism was always so shocking to me. Also, as a bilingual person, I love noticing the differences in translations. For example with animations, the English version would have a LGBTQ+ couple but the Polish one would not. They would change pronouns, names etc. to make it fit their own agenda.
@Bunny1637
This is interesting that they would even change the pronouns and everything when streaming it in your country! I think lots of Slavic countries are still quite traditional and it takes time to move forward toward progress.
@globalBraid3744
Oh that’s definitely true. It’s fascinating to see diff in headlines too! The things people are interested varies from country to country and the way information is presented makes a huge difference.
@Bunny1637
Certainly, it is important how is information presented in media, as it has a huge impact on what attitudes will the majority of people take towards the portrayed issue.
