The Inextricable Tie Between Language and Race: How We Perpetuate Racism

This 40-minute podcast examines the social constructions of race and language. It includes compelling interviews with a linguistic anthropologist and a sociologist specializing in race and ethnic studies, as well as powerful quotes from influential thinkers like bell hooks and James Baldwin, to conclude that race and language are co-constructed. This podcast explores the definition of raciolinguistics, the phenomenon of “Standard English” and how one’s race shapes how their language is perceived. It also discusses critical race theory, authenticity versus performativity and how racism is perpetuated through language as taught in schools. Designed to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful conversations, this podcast invites listeners to question dominant narratives, deepen their understanding and carry the dialogue into their own communities. [An accessible transcript to the podcast and a list of references are included as supplementary files.]