Linguistic Disobedience: Restoring Power to Civic Language

Linguistic Disobedience explores how to counter the abuse of language and take back the power from those who use it to silence or erase others. It recalls historical situations where critiquing, correcting, and caring for language was essential for survival, and offers suggestions for a hopeful pathway forward in violent times.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 175 pages
\n Publication date: 24 July 2018
\n Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG
\n

Linguistic Disobedience is a thought-provoking book that delves into the critical examination of language abuse and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It poses the question of how we, as citizens, immigrants, activists, teachers, and individuals, can reclaim the power of language from those who seek to wield it as a tool for silencing or erasing us and our fellow beings. The book embarks on a journey through time, drawing upon historical contexts and situations that have made the critique, correction, and care of language essential for survival. From the turn-of-the-twentieth-century Central Europe to the horrors of the Third Reich, from the Movement for Black Lives to the ongoing struggle to decolonize African languages, the study and practice of linguistic disobedience have played a pivotal role.

However, in the present day, we face a new challenge: reactionary supremacists and authoritarians are testing their own forms of disobedience to suppress oppositional social justice movements and their languages. This raises urgent questions about our role and actions in the face of such threats.

Linguistic Disobedience approaches this complex issue from multiple perspectives, blending lyric essay with cultural criticism, historical analysis, and applied linguistics. It offers insightful suggestions for a hopeful pathway forward in violent times. The book explores the power of language to shape our identities, perpetuate oppression, and resist change. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging the dominant narratives and linguistic structures that support inequality and injustice.

Through its exploration of historical cases and contemporary examples, Linguistic Disobedience demonstrates the potential for linguistic resistance and empowerment. It highlights the role of language in shaping social movements, promoting inclusivity, and fostering cultural diversity. The book encourages individuals to embrace their linguistic heritage and to use language as a tool for self-expression, resistance, and social change.

Moreover, Linguistic Disobedience challenges us to think critically about the language we use and the implications it has on our lives and the lives of others. It encourages us to be aware of the power of language to perpetuate stereotypes, discriminate against certain groups, and maintain oppressive systems. By becoming more conscious of our language choices, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, Linguistic Disobedience is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the abuse of language and its impact on individuals, communities, and society. It encourages us to reclaim the power of language, challenge dominant narratives, and use language as a tool for social justice and empowerment. By embracing linguistic disobedience, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.

\n Weight: 262g\n
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783319920092\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2019\n