Words We Use

Sometimes referred to as ‘political correctness’, words that are at the center of public debate often reveal more about the social context of debate than about whether to use this word or that one. In this conversation we’ll explore why some words seem to command such power. In so doing, we’ll consider ways to think about the place of language in sociopolitically charged contexts. We’ll also discuss suggestions and ideas for adding nuance, clarity, and deep engagement with arguments about words in order to understand what those arguments are really about. Content warning: Although words that are known to be traumatic will not be said, some points of the conversation may allude to them.

Presenter: Robin Queen, Arthur F Thurnau Professor, Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures, Professor of Linguistics and Professor of English Language and Literature