Language Matters recently hosted "Language & Politics" featuring three lightening talks from speakers who shared their insights on the potent and complex relationship between language and politics. The theme spanned various disciplines, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of linguistic study.
Dr. Sherina Feliciano-Santos, Associate Professor in Anthropology, delved into her field experiences, drawing from research sites ranging from Indigenous reclamation activists in Puerto Rico to individuals encountering traffic stops in the US South. She highlighted how these diverse groups navigate stereotypes and public perceptions about their ability to speak, actively reasserting their agency in real-time amid these challenges.
Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Myles Durkee offered a psychological perspective on racial code-switching, a phenomenon where individuals adjust their speech, appearance, and behavior to align with specific social norms or groups. He emphasized the significant burden this places on ethnic minority populations, who frequently manage their social identities in academic and professional environments to avoid bias or exclusion. Dr. Durkee’s presentation underscored the profound psychological and professional implications of racial code-switching for Americans of different racial backgrounds.
The event concluded with a thought-provoking talk by Wyatt Barnes, a PhD candidate in Linguistics, who examined the role of language in political propaganda within Western regimes and their media. His analysis focused on how language is used to manufacture consent for the West’s involvement in conflicts and to obscure their complicity in war crimes.
This enlightening event was made possible through the collaboration and efforts of several members of the Linguistics department. The Language Matters steering committee, comprising Kendall Lowe, Hayley Heaton, Teresa Satterfield, Edith Adams, and Zora Tucker, played a pivotal role in organizing and hosting the event. Additionally, contributions from non-linguistics steering committee members Ari Roth, Stephanie Renteria, and Julie Evershed were invaluable.
The intersection of language and politics continues to be a critical area of study, offering profound insights into the power dynamics that shape our world. This event aptly highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and addressing these complex issues.
