1.1.4 A note on language
“We never have a common experience because even though we may have the same processes of perceiving and conceptualizing it is biologically impossible to have a shared experience – all we have in common is language (in its broadest sense) with which to communicate about our experience.”
Ison1
This course is written in English, which in many ways troubles, limits and pulls towards certain ways of being, knowing and doing. I try to share some of my grappling with language along the way, but also invite you to draw your attention to words, and how they relate with thoughts, ideas and actions. Though language offers a means by which we can communicate about our unique experiences1, it can also act as a tool to wield power. In drawing from different ways of knowing, some parts of this course seem to be tethered to certain linguistic norms and along the way I attempt to question these.
You may find linguistic ‘errors’ which recur, such as pluralising of uncountable nouns or capitalising words such as Soil and Place, which may seem incorrect, or even annoying. These are purposeful attempts at re-constructing language, for example giving a sense of personhood and specificity to Soil and Place, or highlighting the plurality of knowledges.
I am not proposing particular ways of approaching language, but am merely inviting you to turn your awareness to language with a lens of curiosity.
What are your reflections on language?
Can you think of a situation when you felt subject to power through language? How was language used in this?
Can you think of a situation when you have used language as a way of gaining power in a discussion or other situation? How did you use language in this?
References
1. Ison R. Systems thinking and practice for action research. In: Reason P, Bradbury-Huang H The Sage Book of Action Research: Participatory Inquiry and practice. SAGE Publications; 2007. p. 139–58.