103: Unequal Englishes (with Ruanni Tupas and Nicole Holliday)
Aug 3, 2024
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Ruanni Tupas, an editor focused on language inequalities, teams up with guest host Nicole Holliday to dive into the complexities surrounding varieties of English. They discuss how language ideologies can hinder learners, emphasizing systemic inequalities tied to English proficiency. Anecdotes from their experiences shed light on identity and accent biases, while they advocate for valuing diverse linguistic backgrounds. The conversation weaves in humor about contemporary language use, making it an engaging exploration of the politics of communication.
Linguistic privilege can significantly influence social interactions, as demonstrated by Dr. Holliday's experiences with standard American English.
The conversation highlights the systemic inequalities created by societal biases towards different English dialects and their implications.
Political language shapes voter sentiment and public opinion, reinforcing how linguistics intertwines with societal issues and engagement.
Social media dynamics can fragment meaningful conversations, complicating how individuals interact and connect in today’s digital landscape.
Cultural references in language, such as 'Fridgerton,' illustrate the evolving relationship between language, consumer culture, and personal identity.
Deep dives
Introduction to Hosts and Themes
The episode introduces listeners to the hosts, including linguist Hedwig Hrgard and special guest Dr. Nicole Holliday, who highlights her enthusiastic connection to the podcast. They humorously discuss their favorite beverages and personal experiences, with Nicole sharing her rollerblading preparation for the Berlin Marathon. The hosts set a light-hearted tone while hinting at the complexity and importance of language as they embark on discussions surrounding various linguistic themes and current events.
Linguistic Privilege and Identity
Dr. Holliday discusses her observations on linguistic privilege, emphasizing her background and how it affords her certain advantages in language perception and use. She reflects on her upbringing in a middle-class environment as a black American and how her speech conforms to what is considered 'standard' American English. This privilege allows her to navigate social interactions without facing the same scrutiny that speakers of other English varieties might experience. The conversation touches on the societal perceptions of language and the biases embedded within them.
Social Media and Personal Connections
The hosts delve into the evolving dynamics of social media platforms, noting how engagements and interactions fluctuate as they traverse different platforms. The conversation explores the difficulties of remaining connected and the feeling of having 'aged out' of certain social media environments. They address their own experiences with modern platforms like TikTok, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining meaningful conversations and connections in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape, particularly amid a backdrop of linguistic discussions.
Linguistics and Discrimination
The hosts engage in a serious discussion about the association between language and discrimination in the context of varying English dialects. They highlight Dr. Ruane Tupas' upcoming interview about linguistic inequalities shaped by societal biases and the impact it has on individuals using different English varieties. The conversation underscores how attitudes towards specific English dialects can lead to systemic inequalities, deepening the audience's understanding of the social implications of language. The hosts express their anticipation for insights from Dr. Tupas on addressing these inequities.
The Politics of Language in Elections
A significant focus shifts to current political events, especially with an eye on the implications of language in political discourse. The hosts discuss the political climate surrounding elections in various countries, emphasizing how language not only reflects but also shapes voter sentiment. They share thoughts on the impact of choice phrases and expressions in shaping public opinion and political identity in the current election cycle, urging listeners to recognize the power of language in political narratives. This discussion reinforces the intersection of linguistics and societal issues, highlighting the importance of linguistic awareness in political engagement.
Pop Culture and Language Trends
As the episode progresses, the hosts analyze popular cultural references within language, bringing in the concept of 'Bridgerton' to describe social behaviors. They discuss how certain terms, like 'Fridgerton,' emerge from social media and what these phrases illustrate about consumer culture and personal identity. This segment provides insight into how pop culture and language evolve together, influencing perceptions and behaviors in society. The exploration of such trends showcases the dynamic nature of language as it continuously adapts to cultural shifts.
Listener Engagement and Open Discussions
The hosts encourage listener participation by inviting feedback on the podcast's direction, emphasizing the importance of community in shaping content. They address the concerns shared by listeners regarding the podcast's availability on certain platforms, acknowledging differing opinions on accessibility versus ethical concerns surrounding streaming services. This segment fosters a collaborative spirit, showcasing the hosts' commitment to engaging with their audience and making thoughtful decisions regarding the podcast’s future. Their candid dialogue reinforces a sense of camaraderie within the community.
Language, Identity, and Responsibility
Toward the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on their roles as speakers and listeners, discussing how effective communication goes beyond mere words. They assert that both parties share responsibility for understanding and meaning-making in conversations, regardless of linguistic background. The discussion urges individuals to remain mindful of their biases and actively work towards more inclusive communication strategies. This insightful take promotes awareness of how language shapes constructions of identity and societal interactions in everyday life.
Closing Remarks on Linguistic Engagement
The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the significance of language in personal and political consequences, while promoting thoughtful engagement with linguistic diversity. They highlight their commitment to continued exploration of linguistic themes, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own dietary linguistic habits. As the episode concludes, the hosts express gratitude for their community and invite ongoing discourse about language, identity, and social impact, emphasizing that language is a living, evolving entity that significantly influences day-to-day interactions.
There are lots of Englishes out there, but the way we approach varieties of English sets learners up to fail. How do we combat language ideologies out there in the world — and in our own minds? Dr Ruanni Tupas is the editor of an important new book: Investigating Unequal Englishes: Understanding, Researching and Analysing Inequalities of the Englishes of the World.
We're joined by our special guest host Dr Nicole Holliday, and we are tackling a torrent of words — political and not — that the current news cycle has thrown at us.
Timestamps
Intros: 0:44
Words of the Week (coconut, weird, brat): 12:41
Related or Not: 55:25
Interview with Ruanni Tupas: 36:36
More Words of the Week (International Blue Screen Day / Crowdstrike, rawdogging, fedupedness, combining form -nomenon, fridgerton): 1:53:43
Comments: 2:11:15
The Reads: 2:13:47
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