Words Matter: Language and inclusive spaces

Why does the way we speak matter? Join us for a panel discussion as we explain and illustrate why language - and the analysis of language - is crucial to creating inclusive spaces for diverse populations. We explore how challenging and offering alternative language practices can be an effective way of achieving more inclusive spaces which value diversity and support positive social change.

Drawing on the work of York St John University’s Centre for Language and Social Justice Research, panel contributors discuss how applied linguistics plays a key role in understanding how to create spaces which feel inclusive to those who inhabit them. Each panel contributor provides concrete examples from their own research of inclusive language practices and explains how such practices promote and enhance inclusive spaces. The spaces discussed include schools, universities, business and workplaces as well as social media and online spaces. Dimensions of inclusion covered in the panel include gender, sexual orientation, language background, dis/ability and race.

Alongside the panel discussion will be a display of posters illustrating some of the inclusive language practices covered in the discussion.

About the speakers:

Daniel Edmondson is a Lecturer in the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research where he is a sociolinguist and psycholinguist with a particular interest in the reclamation of slur words within the LGBTQ+ community, and effects of the same on emotional language processing.

Clare Cunningham is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research where her research interests lie along two social justice-oriented strands, exploring teachers’ attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about multilingualism, and investigating the discourses of young people about the environment and climate change, through qualitative research and econarratives.

Helen Sauntson is a Professor within the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research and her research interests and extensive publications are predominantly situated in the areas of classroom discourse analysis; language, gender and sexuality; language in education; and gender and sexuality in education.

This event is presented by the at York St John University.

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At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.

As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.

We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.

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