The familiarity and solidarity of language
Language is one of humanity’s “most powerful tools” that’s “core to our identity,” linguist Anne Curzan says.
“It reflects the families and communities that we grew up in, and it is also one of our most powerful tools as humans to hurt people and heal and include and exclude,” she told PBS News’ Judy Woodruff. “It’s a very, very powerful part of human societies.”
Linguist Valerie Fridland agreed, saying language is “who we are in so many ways.”
“It’s a repository of our culture, our identity and our knowledge as speakers of particular varieties,” Fridland said. “And, we can be many things. So we can be a speaker of American English, but also a speaker of African American English or a speaker of Southern English.”
Curzan and Fridland joined Judy Woodruff for the latest episode of her podcast, “In Pursuit of Happiness.” They discussed American English, how it has transformed over time and more.
For the full episode, click the link in our bio.
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