Chapter 1 An introduction to the weaponizing of language in the classroom and beyond
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Kisha C. Bryan
Abstract
In this opening chapter, we establish the groundwork for the edited volume by delving into the intricate interplay between language, discourse, and societal change. Here, we underscore the dual nature of language, recognizing its potential both as a force for positive transformation and as a vehicle for harm and marginalization in the classroom and beyond. Utilizing linguistic theories and discourse analysis as our lens, we illustrate how the choices made in the process of communication possess the power to shape perceptions and foster dialogues, impacting social interactions while also potentially perpetuating harm against marginalized individuals and groups. Moreover, we provide a clear definition of language weaponization, or the weaponizing of language, framing our discussions within the parameters of applied linguistics and social sciences. We end the chapter by recording the origins of this edited volume, which provides a backdrop for introducing the subsequent chapters.
Abstract
In this opening chapter, we establish the groundwork for the edited volume by delving into the intricate interplay between language, discourse, and societal change. Here, we underscore the dual nature of language, recognizing its potential both as a force for positive transformation and as a vehicle for harm and marginalization in the classroom and beyond. Utilizing linguistic theories and discourse analysis as our lens, we illustrate how the choices made in the process of communication possess the power to shape perceptions and foster dialogues, impacting social interactions while also potentially perpetuating harm against marginalized individuals and groups. Moreover, we provide a clear definition of language weaponization, or the weaponizing of language, framing our discussions within the parameters of applied linguistics and social sciences. We end the chapter by recording the origins of this edited volume, which provides a backdrop for introducing the subsequent chapters.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- Chapter 1 An introduction to the weaponizing of language in the classroom and beyond 1
- Chapter 2 Language weaponization, missed opportunities, and transformational spaces in Bangladeshi English departments: A biographical perspective 13
- Chapter 3 Flipping the script: A collaborative autoethnography of agency and voices in the weaponization of bilingual education in Taiwan 35
- Chapter 4 The price we pay: An autobiographical dialogue of linguistic violence in the African diaspora 63
- Chapter 5 “That’s easy”: An analysis of speech acts in an instance of cross-cultural miscommunication 89
- Chapter 6 A critical look at ‘Pato’ y ‘Maricón’: Puerto Rican Gay teachers’ interventions with homophobic language 109
- Chapter 7 The weaponization of Setswana: Implications for marginalized languages in Botswana 127
- Chapter 8 Using your own language against you: Spanish in U.S. classrooms 147
- Chapter 9 Banned books in K-12 classrooms: Weaponization of children and young adolescent literature 169
- Chapter 10 French variations and language weaponization in US higher education 191
- Chapter 11 Dismantling weaponizing language in teacher preparation programs 213
- Afterword: Language weaponization and its harm 231
- Editors 237
- Contributors 239
- Index 243
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- Chapter 1 An introduction to the weaponizing of language in the classroom and beyond 1
- Chapter 2 Language weaponization, missed opportunities, and transformational spaces in Bangladeshi English departments: A biographical perspective 13
- Chapter 3 Flipping the script: A collaborative autoethnography of agency and voices in the weaponization of bilingual education in Taiwan 35
- Chapter 4 The price we pay: An autobiographical dialogue of linguistic violence in the African diaspora 63
- Chapter 5 “That’s easy”: An analysis of speech acts in an instance of cross-cultural miscommunication 89
- Chapter 6 A critical look at ‘Pato’ y ‘Maricón’: Puerto Rican Gay teachers’ interventions with homophobic language 109
- Chapter 7 The weaponization of Setswana: Implications for marginalized languages in Botswana 127
- Chapter 8 Using your own language against you: Spanish in U.S. classrooms 147
- Chapter 9 Banned books in K-12 classrooms: Weaponization of children and young adolescent literature 169
- Chapter 10 French variations and language weaponization in US higher education 191
- Chapter 11 Dismantling weaponizing language in teacher preparation programs 213
- Afterword: Language weaponization and its harm 231
- Editors 237
- Contributors 239
- Index 243
