Linguistic Limitations: The Verbal Progression Barrier
Abstract
This paper examines the role of language in the navigation of activist spaces by
highlighting the discrepancies that often occur between the scholarly haves and have nots.
Organizers can sometimes use such heady and theoretical language that folks who could
potentially be on board for movement work are put off or feel alienated by their lack of
knowledge. There is also an examination of the terminology around black liberation movements
and how the jargon used by people in these spaces can create in-groups and out-groups and foster
tension. People who are already making progress within their communities and affecting positive
change often need and want the support that larger organizations can provide, but these people
feel uncomfortable once they come in to these spaces if they don’t know the language being
casually used. Further, this discomfort can manifest in dissention amongst folks trying to do the
same work who are merely not on the same wavelength to a crucial degree.
Linguistic Limitations: The Verbal Progression Barrier
Room 220, DiGiorgio Campus Center (DiGs)
This paper examines the role of language in the navigation of activist spaces by
highlighting the discrepancies that often occur between the scholarly haves and have nots.
Organizers can sometimes use such heady and theoretical language that folks who could
potentially be on board for movement work are put off or feel alienated by their lack of
knowledge. There is also an examination of the terminology around black liberation movements
and how the jargon used by people in these spaces can create in-groups and out-groups and foster
tension. People who are already making progress within their communities and affecting positive
change often need and want the support that larger organizations can provide, but these people
feel uncomfortable once they come in to these spaces if they don’t know the language being
casually used. Further, this discomfort can manifest in dissention amongst folks trying to do the
same work who are merely not on the same wavelength to a crucial degree.