Language shapes our identities, influences our opportunities, and contributes to the broader social and cultural landscape.

As a linguistic tool, language can be used to exert power over individuals and groups, impacting economic opportunities, limiting the nature of education, weaponizing religion, manipulating social and cultural identities, and controlling political allegiance.

This is a well-established tenet in linguistics, sociology, and anthropology.

Linguistic relativity

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, proposes that the language a person speaks influences their worldview and cognition. It suggests that the grammatical structures and vocabulary of a language shape how its speakers perceive and conceptualize the world.

From a Eurocentric version of world history, the hypothesis has its origins in the work of 19th century thinkers like Wilhelm von Humboldt and Johann Gottfried Herder, who viewed language as an expression of a people’s worldview. However, it is most closely associated with the 20th century linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf.

Sapir and Whorf, working in the field of linguistic anthropology, argued that language is not merely a neutral tool for expressing thoughts, but actively shapes the way its speakers think. They proposed that different languages carve up reality in different ways, leading to differences in perception and cognition between speakers of different languages.

Language is not merely a neutral tool for expressing thoughts, but actively shapes the way its speakers think.

‘Language games’

Ludwig Wittgenstein, the influential 20th-century philosopher, argued that language is a tool used within specific contexts or “language games.” These games shape our understanding of the world and our interactions with others, suggesting that language can influence our identities and perceptions.

Wittgenstein also emphasized the limitations of language, arguing that certain concepts, such as the self or the soul, may be beyond the reach of language.

The implications include that our identities, especially our perceptions of ourselves and others, are fragmented.

‘Rheomode‘

David Bohm, the renowned quantum physicist, proposed a unique perspective on the complex relationship between language and identity.

Bohm, like Wittgenstein, suggested that the structure of language can influence our perception of reality and, consequently, our sense of self.

Bohm argued that language often fragments reality into distinct, separate entities. This fragmentation can limit our understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and, in turn, can shape our sense of self as a separate, isolated entity.

To address this, Bohm proposed a new language structure, which he called the rheomode. This language structure emphasizes movement, flow, and interconnectedness, rather than fixed, static entities. He believed that by using such a language, we could develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

‘Newspeak’

Language functions not only as a medium of communication but often also serves as a powerful instrument for political and social manipulation, imposing on and limiting independent thought and free expression.

As highlighted in George Orwell‘s 1984, the concept of “newspeak” illustrates how language can be engineered to restrict thought and limit the range of ideas that individuals can express.

In this influential essay, Politics and the English Language (April 1946), Orwell critiques the decline of the English language and its connection to political manipulation. He argues for clarity and precision in writing as a means to combat political deceit and promote honest communication.

The manipulation of language often creates a reality where certain truths are obscured, propaganda becomes normalized, norms are shaped by a few, and dissenting voices are silenced or marginalized.

For instance, certain phrases or terms can become loaded with ideological significance, amplified by mass media — influencing public perception and reinforcing stereotypes.

This aligns with the assertion that “whoever controls language controls society”.

Whoever controls language controls society.

Self-censorship

Self-censorship arises when individuals internalize the limitations imposed by language and societal norms, leading them to modify or suppress their expressions to align with dominant discourses.

This phenomenon can be seen in various contexts, from academic environments to social media, where individuals may refrain from sharing their true opinions due to fear of backlash or ostracism.

The pressure to conform to prevailing narratives often stifles creativity and critical thought, resulting in a homogenization of ideas and a reluctance to engage in meaningful discourse.

Chomsky and Language as a Tool of Power

Noam Chomsky, the renowned linguist and political philosopher, has offered valuable insights into the relationship between language, power, and societal structures.

While Professor emeritus Noam Chomsky’s primary academic focus was the nature of language and its universal grammatical structures, his work has in recent decades contributed to our understanding of how language can be used to exert power and shape social hierarchies.

Chomsky’s concept of “deep structure“ provides a useful framework for analyzing how language can be used to shape our perceptions of reality. Deep structure refers to the underlying grammatical rules that govern language, and Chomsky argues that these rules can influence how we think and perceive the world. For example, the way we categorize and organize information can be influenced by the grammatical structures of our language.

Chomsky has also been critical of the role that language can play in maintaining power structures. He has argued that language can be used to marginalize and exclude certain groups, and to reinforce dominant ideologies. For instance, the use of certain terms or phrases can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce harmful biases.

A mirror of society

Language reveals and reflects power dynamics within society.

The interplay of societal structures and linguistic hierarchies within specific settings speaks volumes about that society.  

The language we use and the settings we use them in, reveal how power is distributed, and how certain groups are privileged and others marginalized by this.

Why it matters

Understanding how language is used to exert power and control is crucial for promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice.

• By recognizing how language can be used to perpetuate stereotypes, marginalize groups, and reinforce power imbalances, we can actively challenge and dismantle these biases.
• Awareness of language’s power allows us to adopt more inclusive and equitable language practices that avoid harmful stereotypes and promote respect for all individuals.
• Understanding how language can be used to marginalize groups empowers these groups to challenge oppressive language practices and advocate for their own voices and perspectives.
• By examining how language is used to shape our perceptions and understanding of the world, we can develop greater empathy and understanding for diverse perspectives and experiences.

Here are some specific strategies for promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice through language:

• Be mindful of language that perpetuates stereotypes and actively challenge these harmful narratives.
• Avoid using language that excludes or marginalizes individuals.
• Raise awareness about the power of language and the importance of using it inclusively.
• Provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and valued.
• Support policies that promote equity and inclusion.

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