top of page

Lifelong Learning: Journey to Decolonize Deepening the Experience: The Power of Language

Writer's picture: Kimberlee Bow, Ph.D.Kimberlee Bow, Ph.D.

I love to read, as I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, and this entry will likely confirm that passion. Reading is a powerful way to learn about diverse topics. Still, it wasn’t until I started working with Dr. West-Olatunji and the CRESTS program that I began to consider the power of language deeply. While I have a foundational understanding of language’s importance, I continually learn its nuances. Dr. West-Olatunji recommended a transformative book, Decolonizing the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Culture. This eye-opening read has challenged me in countless ways. Months after reading it, I’m still processing its insights.


To begin, I want to share a poignant quote from the book:

To control a people’s culture is to control their tools of self-definition in relationship to others. For colonialism this involved two aspects of the same process: the destruction or the deliberate undervaluing of people’s culture, their art, dances, religions, history, geography, education, orature and literature, and the conscious elevation of the language of the coloniser. The domination of a people’s language by the languages of the colonising nations was crucial to the domination of the mental universe of the colonised” (Wa Thiong’o, 2005, p. 16).



This quote resonates deeply and reminds me of another I’ve shared in the past:

The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”(Audre Lorde)

Where does this leave us? It leaves much to consider. While I can’t address every thought this evokes, I want to explore one critical concept: code-switching.



Code Switching


Chances are you’re familiar with the concept of code-switching or have at least encountered it in some capacity. To ensure we’re on the same page, let’s define it.

In a psychological sense, code-switching is both a linguistic practice and an impression management strategy. It involves adjusting appearance, behavior, or expression depending on the context (McCluney et al., 2019). Here are a couple of examples:

  • Example 1: A person minimizes their regional accent or avoids slang during work hours.

  • Example 2: A Black individual uses American English instead of African American English when interacting with White colleagues or peers.



Linguistic Racism


To fully grasp the implications of code-switching, we must explore the concept of linguistic racism:


Racialized discourses of language (use) are situated within sociohistorical and sociopolitical contexts, grounded in nationalism and colonialism, that privilege dominant national and international languages, public monolingualism, and native-speaker competence in those languages. In contrast, related linguistic hierarchies of prestige pathologize the language uses of non-dominant language – often Indigenous and/or bi/multilingual – speakers and construct their language use in both overtly and covertly racialized terms. The result is regular linguistic discrimination and subordination experienced by non-dominant language speakers, inevitably framed within wider racialized institutional and everyday discursive practices.”(May, 2023, p. 651)


This excerpt outlines how linguistic racism functions and encourages us to consider sociohistorical and sociopolitical contexts. Understanding history from multiple perspectives—especially those outside the dominant culture—is critical. Much of what May (2023) writes aligns with Wa Thiong’o’s (2005) insights, emphasizing the role linguistic racism plays in shaping the psychological antecedents of code-switching and its impact on Black and Brown communities (Johnson et al., 2022).



Language Holds Power


Language wields immense power. While blatant discriminatory language deserves attention, it’s everyday language—its roots and implications—that requires our ongoing awareness, especially when working with Black and Brown youth. Subtle linguistic choices can perpetuate systemic inequities if left unexamined.




Final Thoughts


Decolonizing our thinking is a lifelong journey, as the title of this blog series suggests. There is always more to learn and unlearn. I readily admit that I’m still on this journey and will never fully complete it. This work demands daily practice and mindfulness, especially regarding language.



What’s Next?


Now it’s your turn! Reflect on the role of language in your own work with Black and Brown youth. Did this blog post spark new ideas or questions? Is there someone you can engage with to deepen your understanding? Take time to sit with these thoughts and explore the following:

  • Read: Decolonizing the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Culture.

  • Watch: Videos linked below for further inspiration.

  • Engage: Find a community or individual to discuss language and decolonization.

  • Reflect: Approach this work with a beginner’s mind—remain open and curious.

  • Consider: How has your own experience with language influenced your beliefs and practices?



Practical Tips and Suggestions


  1. Take Your Time: Reflect deeply on what you read or watch. Don’t rush the process.

  2. Collaborate: Join or create spaces to collectively exchange perspectives and work on decolonizing practices.

  3. Stay Curious: Embrace this journey with humility and a willingness to learn.

Language shapes our world. Let’s use it intentionally to uplift and empower those we serve.



 

Additional Resources



4 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to receive monthly news and updates.

Which category (or categories) of the CRESTS community do you fit under? (Please check all that apply.)
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

©2022 by CRESTSprogram.

bottom of page