Saturday, February 22, 2014
Language and Identity Construction
A few weeks ago we discussed language and its role in identity formation, as well as its role in the power -hierarchy formation of nations. Normatively speaking, language is often passed off as 'just words'. I'm sure many among us have used, or heard, the expression, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me'. This defensive definition of words is, of course, a delusion. Words matter, and language affects us, and in many ways creates us. Martin and Nakayama further this by claiming that words are not 'empty vessels' but rather play a 'powerful and constructive role....by which strategies of power and inequality are enacted daily'. For the most part we don't recognize the way language guides our identity formation, but over time the effects are visible. In a recent article on NPR.org, here, the Spanish language is discussed with its relationship to Americans of Puerto Rican dissent. The author of the article explains the complex relationship between maintaining her Puerto Rican identity, while at the same time struggling with the fact that she was raised only to speak English. Much of this complex relationship is due to her parents' desire to assimilate into 'American culture' while raising her. A classic example of power defining identity through language. Interestingly, the power dynamics between language and identity are changing, and being bi-lingual in Spanish and English in 'American culture' is seen as an asset. It's about time.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Yes! Language is very much a source of power! Ever since I started Kindergarten in Colorado and realized I didn't understand my classmates, I realized the importance of language and how, depending on the situation, can empower others while taking power away from others. Because of certain situations, I never learned English in a classroom, I picked it up by watching television, by listening to my older brothers, and by stumbling my way through elementary school. It was this separation of languages that kept me from becoming close with my surroundings and with my American classmates, and because of this I have never underestimated the importance of language. It took a good six years for me to feel somewhat comfortable with English. Even though the experience of learning English was difficult and at times attacking my confidence, I was left with the desire to learn more. I began studying French in middle school and high school, and then when I moved to Austria started learning German and Russian. At my school in Austria the other students stared at me in wonder as I would easily change from French to German to English to Spanish when I'd socialize with other non-Austrians I became friends with at school. My Austrian classmates thought I was some kind of genius or an American spy sent to do research there; whatever they thought it was because of my ability with languages. And that one rumor that Americans are "stupid" because they only learn English whereas everyone in Europe learns several languages is not true; the majority of my Austrian classmates only knew German and a very basic level of English. What I'm getting at is that language is a beautiful and very powerful tool that, whatever your language may be, you should embrace it fully and not hesitate to teach others about it.
ReplyDelete