Language and Power

All languages are social and powerful. The language that is used, the words and the meanings that are communicated, depends not only on the context but also on the social relations that are part of that interaction. For example, bosses and workers may use the same words, but the meanings that are communicated may differ. A boss and a worker may both refer to the company personnel as a “family”. To the boss, this may mean “one big happy family”, while to an employee, it may mean a “dysfunctional family”. To some extent, the difference is due to the power differential between the boss and the worker.

Language is powerful and can have tremendous implications for people’s lives. For example, saying the words “I do” can influence lives dramatically; being called names can be hurtful, etc.

Just as organizations have particular structures and specific job positions within them, societies are structured so that individuals occupy social positions. Differences in social positions are central to understanding communication. Not all the positions within society are equivalent; everyone is not the same. Thus, for example, when men whistle at a women walking by, it has a different force and meaning than if women were to whistle at a man walking by.

Power is a central element, by extension, of this focus on differences in social position. When a judge in court says what he or she thinks freedom of speech means, it has much greater force than when your friend who is not a judge gives an opinion about what this phrase means. When we communicate, we tend to note, however unconsciously, the group memberships and positions of others.

Groups also hold different positions of power in society. Groups with the most power (Whites, heterosexuals) – consciously or unconsciously – use a communication system that supports their perception of the world. This means that cocultural groups (ethnic minorities, gays) have to function within communication systems that may not represent their lived experience.

Cocultural groups can communicate nonassertively, assertively, or aggressively. Within each of these communication postures, cocultural individuals may focus on assimilation, trying to become like members of the dominant group. Or they can try to accommodate or adapt to the dominant group. Or they can remain separate from the dominant group as much as possible.

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 926