Lecture 03: Language and Power

This sociolinguistics lesson delves into the dynamic interplay between language and power. We'll explore how seemingly ordinary words and communication styles can be wielded as tools of influence, persuasion, and even control.

Get ready to unpack:

• Language and Social Hierarchies: How do different social classes, genders, and ethnicities use language differently? How does language reflect and reinforce power structures?
• Language Strategies for Power: We'll analyze strategies like politeness, hedging, and framing to understand how speakers manipulate language to achieve their goals.
• Discourse and Power: Explore how dominant ideologies are perpetuated through language use in institutions like media and politics.

By the end of this lesson, you'll gain a critical eye for the subtle ways language is used to exert power in everyday interactions and social structures. Prepare to be surprised by the hidden agendas embedded in communication!