“Humans
are language animals, and language is a force that all of us use everyday to
build, sustain, and destroy” (Tuan, 1991, p. 694). Without words and languages,
how would us humans have developed our own sense of self, let alone grasp
reality around us? It is clear that without the creation of languages, we simply
would not be using blogger to discuss them.
 |
| Desmond Tutu quote [Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://quotefancy.com/quote/74714/Desmond-Tutu-Language-is-very-powerful-Language-does-not-just-describe-reality-Language |
Language
is powerful tool buried within our everyday communication, whether it be
conveyed verbally, virtually or the written word. Farquhar & Fitzsimons
(2013, pp. 652-654) adopt a Foucaldian approach to theories of power in relation to
language, arguing that words and power are complimentary to one another. Woven
throughout human history are stories such as narratives, myths, fiction and
non-fiction (Kuttainen, 2017), which encapsulate the power of words and their
ability to make sense of our place in the world. The oldest human civilisations
were founded upon the symbolic power of language in relation to conceptualising
space and place. In particular, Chatwin (1987, pp. 11-15) draws a comparison between
Aboriginal Dreamtime and the book of Genesis as creation stories where language
conceptualised the reality of the world.
Tuan
(1991, pp. 687-689) refers to the significance of names, and how they can empower or
disempower individuals. In developing our own identity, it is no secret that
our own name we are given to us at birth signifies our existence. As further
explored in a Ted Talk, Cantena (2015) encourages us to consider that the etymology
of names have the power to influence our lives. On the other hand, when objects
are given a name, they are given the power to exist – for example, when
palaeontologists discover a new pile of dusty dinosaur bones. Would the
discovery of the Lemmysuchus pique
our immediate interest, had it not been named in memory of the late Lemmy
Kilmister? Regardless of whether or not we enjoy listening to Motorhead, or reading about dinosaurs for that matter, it is evident that the giving of names holds
remarkable power. Therefore, language enables us to feel a greater sense of
belonging and enhances our place within the world.
On
virtual spaces such as Letterboxd, the concept of names holding power is
demonstrated through the optional paid subscription services. For $29.95 a
year, you can opt to subscribe to ‘Pro’ membership, or for $50.00 a year, you
can become a ‘Patron’ and gain access to exclusive features which normal users
do not have access to. The most desired feature for users is the bright, colourful
badge next to your name, which indicates whether you are a ‘Pro’, or a ‘Patron’
user. The neat addition of this badge to your profile enables your cyber film
diary to look professional and important. Consequently, those who do not pay
for Letterboxd may be seen as disempowered voices, as once you adorn your
profile page with a ‘Pro’ or a ‘Patron’ badge, you are granted power above the
rest within this virtual space.
Reference
List
Catena, M. [TEDx Talks]. (2015, June 11). The magic of names. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo4mqPrXIqA
Chatwin,
B. The songlines. (1987). London, Great
Britain: The Spartan Press Ltd.
Desmond Tutu quote
[Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://quotefancy.com/quote/74714/Desmond-Tutu-Language-is-very-powerful-Language-does-not-just-describe-reality-Language
Farquhar, S., &
Fitzsimons, P. (2011). Lost in translation: The power of language. Educational Philosphy and Theory, 43(6), 652-62. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2009.00608.x
Kuttainen, V. (2017). BA1002: Our space: Networks, narratives and the making of place, lecture 5: Stories of place: Storylines. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://learnjcu.edu.au
The
Associated Press. (2017, August 9). Scientists name prehistoric croc after
Lemmy from Motorhead. WRAL-TV.
Retrieved from http://www.wral.com/scientists-name-prehistoric-croc-after-lemmy-from-motorhead/16868317/
Tuan,
Y. (1991). Language and the making of
place: A narrative-descriptive approach. Annals
of the Association of American Geographers, 81(4), 684-96. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2563430
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