Just Words - Do We Control Language or Does Language Control Us?

Explore the power and influence of language in this thought-provoking 51-minute panel discussion from The Aspen Institute. Delve into how words shape our democracy, personal interactions, and societal norms. Examine the impact of language across various media platforms, from traditional print to modern digital formats. Analyze the effects of repetition, familiarity, and context on word interpretation. Consider how political and social codes embedded in language influence public discourse. Join language experts Elisa New, Ann B. Friedman, Deborah Fallows, John McWhorter, and Deborah Tannen as they dissect the complexities of modern communication. Investigate topics such as euphemisms, poetic and rhythmic language, the differences between writing and speaking, and the evolution of language skills. Reflect on the challenges of digital communication, the fear of speaking up, and the ongoing debate between prescriptivism and descriptivism in linguistics. Gain valuable insights into the nuanced world of words and their profound impact on our daily lives and broader society.