Language and Social Movements

Faculty, English Department, CSU, Chico 

Two CSU, Chico linguists explain how the use of language can define and influence movements for social justice. Dr. Trechter uses as an example the efforts of multiple Native American tribes to block a major oil pipeline project in North Dakota. She says the people involved are clearly defining themselves as “protectors,” not protesters. She believes the words they are using underscores the power of their efforts and creates an identity of being protectors of the land. Dr. Wright explains how the meaning of language is built on semantics and pragmatics. She focuses on the history of the phrase, “Black Lives Matter,” and how there came to be two interpretations of the phrase – “Only black lives matter” and “Black lives matter, too.” 

Recorded: October 10, 2016