The words we use day-to-day are often taken for granted and used without a second thought. But the way we use language can shape our reality, and the reality of those around us. Joined by linguistics student Christine Zhong as we discuss the ties between language, discrimination and historical oppression, the capacity of language to shape cognition and the way we perceive the world, as well as the intersection between linguistic diversity and biodiversity. This show also ends with a side-note on the developing situation in Palestine, outlining ongoing oppression in Sheikh Jarrah, and the need to stay informed.

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In this episode we discussed the importance of avoiding language which reduces persons with disabilities to their disability itself (and doing so in a negative light). This episode emphasised that it can be preferable to use ‘person-first’ language (e.g. ‘a person with disability’) to avoid dehumanisation, however this is only one perspective – others in the disability community may in fact prefer the use of ‘identity-first’ language (e.g. ‘ a disabled person’) to embrace their disability as a natural and acceptable part of their identity. It is always important to ask people what language they use to identify themselves.