In this seminar, we will explore the multifacetedness of language in relation to concepts of power. Ruth Wodak argues that ”(…) language only gains power in the hands of the powerful; language is not powerful ‘per se’” (1989: xv) and this seminar aims at uncovering how (and why) language is used to
(a) gain,
(b) maintain, and
(c) change socially constructed systems of power.
The first couple of weeks will look at how language reflects existing powers on a macro level; we will look at collective powers and issues around globalization, competing ideologies of (super-) diversity and multilingualism, and migration. We will go on to investigate micro-level reflections of power in various individual and institutional settings: how is language used to imply power constructs at home, in the courtroom, the workplace, or politics? Here, we will expand our viewpoint from looking at language as a mere reflection of power to language as an agent of power.
We will investigate a broad range of media and policy texts to see the ways in which language is used to maintain existing power structures (with a focus on sexism, racism, and ageism) and how language is used to influence people’s minds and existing narratives (language in campaigns, fake news rhetoric, etc.). Finally, we will discuss how linguistic change may reflect a change of power, and whether linguistic change may also trigger a change of power. Seminars here will focus on linguistic activism, data feminism, and increasing awareness of (and argumentation against) matters of representation.
Topics include (object to change):
- Social construction of power, ideologies, values, etc. within our society and others
- Multilingual societies and the case for and against official languages
- Immigration and language requirements
- Institutional power and language: from job interviews to doctor – patient discourse
- Vernacular language in court: case study Rachel Jeantel in the George Zimmerman trial
- Linguistic Privilege
- Language, Power, and the Media
- Fake news and journalism
- Gender Gap
- Visibility and Voice: case study pronouns
- Data Feminism
Course reading will be announced in the first session and on moodle.
Wodak, R. (Ed.). (1989). Language, power and ideology: Studies in political discourse (Vol. 7). John Benjamins Publishing Company.
- Dozent/in: Susan Reichelt