NEW: The Hidden Power of Language

On April 7th, we present : "The Hidden Power of Language" by Prof. Nathan Sanders, PhD

Why do people judge others based on the way they speak? And how can something as everyday as language quietly shape major decisions in society?

Studies show that subtle cues in speech can influence who gets hired, who is trusted, who receives opportunities — and in extreme cases, how juries evaluate guilt and innocence.

In this lecture, Prof. Nathan Sanders explores how language naturally varies across communities — and how those differences become tied to social identity, stereotypes, and bias. From accents and dialects to formal language education, the way we speak often carries hidden social signals that influence how others perceive us.

This lecture reveals why understanding language variation is essential to building a more equitable society.

💡 About the incredible Professor Nathan Sanders

Prof. Nathan Sanders is an Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto. He studied mathematics and linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed his MA and PhD in linguistics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where his dissertation focused on phonology and sound change in Polish.

His research explores the phonetics and phonology of both signed and spoken languages, historical phonology, linguistic typology, and innovative approaches to inclusive teaching in linguistics.

📅 Date: April 7, 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Near King and University, Downtown Toronto. The exact location will be emailed to you via the email you use while purchasing the ticket.
🎤 Speaker: Professor Nathan Sanders, PhD.

Join us for an evening of ideas, curious minds, and great conversation.

🎟 Seats are limited!

❗️Please note: the location in this eventbrite page is NOT the exact location, only indicates the general area. The exact location will be emailed to you via the email you use while purchasing the ticket. Keep an eye out in your inbox or spam folder a couple weeks before the event as well.

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