Kendra Calhoun

This week, B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, Dr. Kendra Calhoun, a linguistics scholar, and TikTok creator Christian Devine dive deep into the world of 'algospeak.' They discuss how creators use coded language to bypass algorithm suppression, revealing examples like 'unalive' and 'orange.' Calhoun highlights how past platform moderation drove self-censorship, while Devine shares his experiences with shadow banning. Together, they explore the impact of these linguistic innovations on marginalized voices navigating TikTok's complex environment.

Join TikTok creator Christian Devine and linguistics professor Kendra Calhoun as they navigate the intriguing world of self-censorship on social media. They discuss the creative use of coded language like 'unalive' to dodge platform restrictions. The duo delves into how marginalized voices adapt their speech to share their experiences, highlighting disparities in content moderation. They also examine the emotional toll on creators facing vague guidelines and the vital role TikTok plays in raising awareness about disability and social justice.

Alexia Fawcett and Kendra Calhoun explore linguistic innovation and self-censorship on TikTok, discussing the rise of alternative language like 'unalived' and 'seggs'. They examine the implications of these neologisms on freedom of expression, political engagement, and content moderation. The podcast delves into the challenges of navigating censorship and the impact of linguistic creativity on marginalized communities.