Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda Julie Sedivy: How Language Shapes Us
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Feb 11, 2025 Julie Sedivy, a linguistics professor and author of 'Linguaphile,' shares her passion for language, shaped by her childhood as an immigrant speaking five languages. She discusses how language influences identity and social dynamics, especially in bilingual contexts. The conversation dives into the beauty and complexity of spoken language, the challenges of word retrieval as we age, and the potential impacts of modern communication on conversational skills. Sedivy highlights the role of language in fostering human connection and resilience.
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Family vs. Outside Language
- Julie Sedivy, as a child immigrant, quickly realized her family's language differed from the outside world's.
- She understood English held higher social value outside her home.
Code-Switching in the Schoolyard
- Sedivy's brother would reply in English if she spoke Czech in front of his friends.
- Subtle cues revealed their peers noticing their difference.
The Purpose of "Ums"
- "Ums" function as placeholders while formulating thoughts, signaling processing to the listener.
- This helps listeners anticipate complex words or concepts, improving comprehension.
