Identifying Yourself Through Language | Robyn Giffen | TEDxUBCOkanagan

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the speaker reflects on the significance of language in shaping identity, drawing on personal experiences from Canada and a linguistic project in Ghana. The speaker highlights how accents, word choices, and regional terms connect individuals while also marking differences. Through anecdotes about Canadian English and the development of a writing system for the Nabait language, the presentation emphasizes the role of language as both a cultural identifier and a means of literacy. Ultimately, it underscores that language not only defines us but also influences our connection to community and identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language plays a crucial role in shaping our identity and how we connect with others.
• 😀 Accents and language usage can lead to assumptions about a person's background, as seen in the speaker's interaction at the seminar.
• 😀 Canadian English has unique vocabulary and spelling that distinguishes Canadians from Americans.
• 😀 Terms like 'toque' for a winter hat exemplify distinctly Canadian language.
• 😀 The speaker's research in Ghana highlights the importance of developing a writing system for the Nabbit language to preserve cultural identity.
• 😀 Literacy in indigenous languages allows communities to express themselves authentically rather than relying on colonial languages.
• 😀 Language connects individuals to their cultural heritage while also linking them to broader national identities.
• 😀 The Nabbit alphabet, developed collaboratively, reflects both uniqueness and connection to Ghanaian culture.
• 😀 Small linguistic differences can signify significant cultural identities, influencing perceptions of insider versus outsider.
• 😀 Words and writing are powerful reflections of who we are, shaping our identities in a multicultural world.

Q & A

What was the initial misunderstanding between the speaker and the UBC faculty member?

The faculty member assumed the speaker was American based on their accent, while the speaker clarified that they were Canadian and had spent very little time in the United States.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of language in identity?

The speaker argues that language, including accent, word choice, and spelling, plays a significant role in how individuals identify themselves and others, linking them to specific cultures and communities.

What examples of Canadian English does the speaker provide?

The speaker mentions terms like 'toque' for a winter hat, spelling conventions like 'labour' with a 'u', and regional pronunciations that distinguish insiders from outsiders.

What is the significance of the word 'toque' in identifying Canadian speakers?

The term 'toque' is uniquely Canadian and almost unheard of in other parts of the world, indicating that anyone who uses it is likely Canadian or has lived in Canada.

What project did the speaker participate in related to the Nabbit language?

The speaker worked on a language project aimed at developing a writing system for the Nabbit language, which had previously not been written, to help speakers gain literacy in their own language.

What challenges do many languages face in terms of literacy, according to the speaker?

Out of approximately 7,102 languages globally, only about 2,200 have a standard writing system, forcing speakers of the other languages to learn a higher status language, often imposed through colonialism, to achieve literacy.

How did the speaker ensure that the Nabbit alphabet reflected the community's identity?

The speaker collaborated with the Nabbit language committee to develop the alphabet, ensuring that it included symbols representative of the community's unique sounds while also considering symbols from other local languages.

What is the relationship between the Nabbit language and the Brunei dialect?

While Nabbit is sometimes classified as a dialect of Brunei, the speaker notes significant differences that lead Nabbit speakers to identify their language as separate, showcasing their unique linguistic identity.

What do the local characters included in the Nabbit alphabet signify?

The inclusion of local characters in the Nabbit alphabet connects the Nabbit speakers to their Ghanaian identity and reflects their desire to maintain cultural ties while establishing their linguistic uniqueness.

How does the speaker conclude their talk regarding language and identity?

The speaker concludes by emphasizing that language—whether through spoken words or written forms—plays a critical role in how individuals are identified and perceived within their communities and beyond.