Jamila Lyiscott: 3 ways to speak English | TED

Summary

The speaker in this powerful monologue explores the complexities of language and identity, expressing the fluidity of their communication across different social contexts. They challenge the Eurocentric ideals of language by embracing their 'articulate' ability to switch between three languages—reflecting home, school, and friends. The speech critiques the imposition of linguistic standards and celebrates the diversity of language as a form of resistance and cultural affirmation, advocating for the recognition of multilingualism as a strength rather than a deficit.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker is identified as 'articulate', emphasizing their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively in various contexts.
• 🎓 The script highlights the speaker's use of language in an academic setting, showcasing their ability to answer questions with urban connotations without any misdirected intention.
• 🏠 The speaker's father's question is answered in a way that demonstrates the speaker's linguistic flexibility, using language that is appropriate for home.
• 🗣️🏢 The ability to 'switch it up' on the block and in class shows the speaker's mastery over different linguistic codes, adapting to different social environments.
• 📚 The speaker questions the representation in educational materials, pointing out the lack of content about their people, indicating a desire for more inclusive curriculums.
• 🌐 The script discusses the multifaceted nature of the English language and its susceptibility to transformation, challenging the notion of a single 'correct' way to speak.
• 🤔 It challenges the idea that 'broken English' is ignorant, pointing out that even those considered articulate can sound foolish to others, like the British.
• 📖 The speaker humorously corrects their professor's greeting, suggesting that 'what's good' is the proper way to greet on the block, poking fun at linguistic norms.
• 📝 The speaker corrects their mother's grammar, emphasizing the importance of following linguistic rules, even in informal settings.
• 🌍 The script touches on the divine origin of language, suggesting that the only true authority on language is the one who declared it 'good' in the beginning.
• 👥 The speaker identifies as a tri-lingual orator, using different languages for home, school, and friends, showing a complex relationship with language and identity.
• 🔄 The speaker sometimes mixes up their languages, feeling a sense of dissonance, which they liken to 'cooking in the bathroom', indicating the struggle with linguistic identity.
• 🚫 The speaker acknowledges the historical theft of their language and the brokenness of their own history, using 'broken English' as a reminder of this past.
• 🌈 The speaker is fed up with Eurocentric ideals and uses a composite version of the language to challenge these norms and assert the value of their own linguistic heritage.
• 💼 The script ends with the speaker applying for a job as a 'tri-lingual' individual, aiming to diversify the consumer market and demonstrate their linguistic capabilities.
• 🤝 The speaker is ready to show their ability to use different greetings like 'What’s good', 'Whatagwan', and 'Hello' in an interview, embracing their multilingualism.

Q & A

What does the term 'articulate' mean in the context of the script?

In the script, 'articulate' refers to the speaker's ability to express themselves clearly and effectively in speech, particularly in terms of enunciation and diction.

How does the speaker use language to navigate different social contexts?

The speaker demonstrates the ability to switch between different linguistic styles or 'languages' depending on the social context, such as using a more academic language in the classroom and a more colloquial language on the block.

What is the speaker's stance on the idea of a single 'correct' way to speak English?

The speaker challenges the notion of a single 'correct' way to speak English, arguing that language is multifaceted and subject to transformation, and that even 'articulate' Americans can sound foolish to the British.

Why does the speaker say that they treat all three of their languages as equals?

The speaker treats all three of their languages as equals because they believe in the validity and importance of each linguistic style, whether it's used at home, school, or with friends.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'I know that I had to borrow your language, because mines was stolen'?

This statement reflects the speaker's awareness of the historical context of language and cultural imperialism, suggesting that their own language and cultural heritage were suppressed or taken away, leading them to adopt the language of the colonizers.

How does the speaker feel about the Eurocentric ideals of language?

The speaker expresses frustration with Eurocentric ideals of language, which often devalue non-standard or non-European linguistic forms and perpetuate racial disparities.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ The Articulate Voice of Multilingualism

This paragraph introduces the speaker's experience with being labeled as 'articulate,' which implies a high level of eloquence and clarity in speech. The speaker reflects on how they switch between different linguistic styles depending on the context, whether it's academic, familial, or social. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the value of all languages and the fluidity of language itself, challenging the notion that one form of speech is superior to another. The speaker also touches on the idea that language is subject to change and that even 'articulate' Americans may sound foolish to British ears, suggesting that language is a living, evolving entity.

📚 The Complexity of Language and Identity

The speaker delves into the complexities of language and identity, discussing the Eurocentric ideals that have shaped the perception of what is considered 'proper' language. They express frustration with the negative stereotypes and images that affect their community and argue against the idea that one must adhere strictly to a single linguistic standard. The speaker also addresses the historical context of language, acknowledging that their own language and history were taken away, which has led to a composite version of the language they speak today. They advocate for a linguistic celebration that recognizes the diversity and richness of all languages.

🌏 The Call for Linguistic Equality and Celebration

In this final paragraph, the speaker calls for linguistic equality and a celebration of diversity in language. They reject the notion of promoting ignorance and instead advocate for a recognition of the multifaceted nature of language. The speaker uses their own experience as a 'tri-lingual orator' to argue for the value of being able to speak in different linguistic styles for different contexts. They express their readiness to demonstrate this ability during a job interview, showcasing the potential for diversity in communication and the importance of not being judged solely by one's language.

Keywords

💡articulate

The term 'articulate' refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively. In the video's context, it is used to highlight the speaker's skill in using language, but also to challenge the notion that there is a 'correct' way to speak English. The speaker uses 'articulate' to emphasize their command over different linguistic codes, switching between them as needed, and to critique the Eurocentric standards that deem some forms of English as superior.

💡connotation

Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations, in addition to the literal meaning, that a word may carry. In the script, the speaker mentions their answers being 'tainted with a connotation of urbanized suggestion,' indicating how their language use might be perceived differently based on its cultural context, and how this perception can be influenced by social biases.

💡multifaceted

'Multifaceted' describes something that has many aspects or features. The speaker uses this term to describe the English language, suggesting that it is subject to various interpretations and uses, and that no single form can be deemed the ultimate standard. This challenges the idea of a monolithic 'correct' English.

💡transformation

Transformation implies a change in form, nature, or appearance. The speaker mentions 'indefinite transformation' to argue that language is dynamic and constantly evolving, which is particularly relevant in discussing the fluidity and diversity of English dialects and the speaker's own multilingual identity.

💡ignorant

Ignorant traditionally means lacking knowledge or awareness in general, but in the context of the video, it is used to challenge the stereotype that speaking 'broken English' is a sign of ignorance. The speaker inverts the term to critique the narrow-mindedness of those who judge others based on their language use.

💡Eurocentric

Eurocentric refers to a perspective that is focused on or dominated by European culture, history, and values. The speaker uses this term to criticize the dominance of European standards in language and the erasure of other linguistic and cultural histories, particularly those of colonized or marginalized peoples.

💡composite

A composite version of something is a combination of various elements. The speaker describes their use of English as a 'composite version' to signify the blending of different linguistic influences and histories, reflecting the complex cultural heritage that has been shaped by colonization and diaspora.

💡racial disparity

Racial disparity refers to the unfair differences in treatment or outcomes between racial groups. The speaker mentions 'racial disparity' to highlight the systemic inequalities and prejudices that affect how people of different races are perceived and treated, including in the context of language use.

💡trilingual

Trilingual refers to the ability to speak three languages. The speaker proudly identifies as a 'tri-lingual orator,' using this term to assert their linguistic capabilities and to challenge the notion that proficiency in standard English is the only measure of intelligence or education.

💡diversity

Diversity refers to the state of being composed of different elements or qualities. The speaker wants to 'diversify your consumer market' by highlighting the value of linguistic diversity, suggesting that recognizing and incorporating different ways of speaking can enrich society and culture.

💡nonsensical

Nonsensical means lacking sense or logic. The speaker uses 'nonsensical' to describe racial disparities and the judgments made about language use, indicating that these are baseless and irrational, reflecting a deeper critique of societal prejudices.

💡celebration

Celebration is the act of marking one's pleasure or approval of something. The speaker frames their use of multiple languages as a 'linguistic celebration,' emphasizing the positive value and beauty of linguistic diversity, rather than viewing it as a deficit or problem.

Highlights

The speaker is labeled as 'articulate', implying a natural ability in enunciation and diction.

The concept of 'articulate' is challenged by the speaker's use of urbanized language in academic settings.

The speaker's father's question and the articulate response showcases the speaker's linguistic adaptability.

Code-switching is used to communicate effectively in different social contexts.

The speaker questions the representation of their people in academic literature.

The speaker treats all three of their languages as equals, emphasizing multilingualism.

The control of articulation and the transformation of the English language are discussed.

The speaker humorously corrects the professor's 'inarticulate' greeting in a non-academic setting.

Language rules are questioned, and the speaker defends their mother's unique sentence structure.

The speaker asserts the divine origin of language, challenging Eurocentric ideals.

The speaker's language use is a reflection of their stolen heritage and broken history.

The speaker's trilingualism is a source of pride and a tool for diversifying consumer markets.

The speaker's job application highlights their linguistic abilities as an asset.

The speaker is prepared to demonstrate their ability to use different forms of greeting in an interview.

The speaker concludes by embracing their 'articulate' identity and the value of linguistic diversity.

Applause signifies the audience's appreciation for the speaker's powerful message.

Transcripts

Today,

a baffled lady observed

the shell where my soul dwells

And announced that I'm

"articulate"

Which means that when it comes

to enunciation and diction

I don't even think of it

‘Cause I’m "articulate"

So when my professor asks a question

And my answer is tainted with a connotation

of urbanized suggestion

There’s no misdirected intention

Pay attention

‘Cause I’m “articulate”

So when my father asks, “Wha’ kinda ting is dis?”

My “articulate” answer never goes amiss

I say “father, this is the impending problem at hand”

And when I’m on the block

I switch it up just because I can

So when my boy says, “What’s good with you son?”

I just say, “I jus’ fall out wit dem people but I done!”

And sometimes in class

I might pause the intellectual sounding flow to ask

“Yo! Why dese books neva be about my peoples”

Yes, I have decided to treat

all three of my languages as equals

Because I’m “articulate”

But who controls articulation?

Because the English language is a multifaceted oration

Subject to indefinite transformation

Now you may think that it is ignorant to speak broken English

But I’m here to tell you that even “articulate” Americans

sound foolish to the British

So when my Professor comes on the block and says, “Hello”

I stop him and say “Noooo …

You’re being inarticulate …

the proper way is to say ‘what’s good’”

Now you may think that’s too hood, that’s not cool

But I’m here to tell you that even our language has rules

So when Mommy mocks me and says

“ya’ll-be-madd-going-to-the-store”

I say “Mommy, no, that sentence is not following the law

Never does the word "madd" go before a present participle

That’s simply the principle of this English”

If I had the vocal capacity I would

sing this from every mountaintop,

From every suburbia, and every hood

‘Cause the only God of language is the one recorded in the Genesis

Of this world saying “it is good"

So I may not always come before you

with excellency of speech

But do not judge me by my language and assume

That I’m too ignorant to teach

‘Cause I speak three tongues

One for each:

Home, school and friends

I’m a tri-lingual orator

Sometimes I’m consistent with my language now

Then switch it up so I don’t bore later

Sometimes I fight back two tongues

While I use the other one in the classroom

And when I mistakenly mix them up

I feel crazy like … I’m cooking in the bathroom

I know that I had to borrow your language

because mines was stolen

But you can’t expect me to speak your history wholly

while mines is broken

These words are spoken

By someone who is simply fed up with

the Eurocentric ideals of this season

And the reason I speak a composite version of your language

Is because mines was raped away along with my history

I speak broken English so the profusing gashes can remind us

That our current state is not a mystery

I’m so tired of the negative images that are driving my people mad

So unless you’ve seen it rob a bank stop calling my hair bad

I’m so sick of this nonsensical racial disparity

So don’t call it good unless your hair is known

for donating to charity

As much as has been raped away from our people

How can you expect me to treat their imprint on your language

As anything less than equal

Let there be no confusion

Let there be no hesitation

This is not a promotion of ignorance

This is a linguistic celebration

That’s why I put "tri-lingual" on my last job application

I can help to diversify your consumer market

is all I wanted them to know

And when they call me for the interview

I’ll be more than happy to show that

I can say:

“What’s good”

“Whatagwan”

And of course …“Hello”

Because I’m “articulate”

Thank you.

(Applause)