politics of language

Stateside: A hand gesture, a hidden meaning

Stateside Staff — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:10:30 +0000

We know the importance of posture when reading one’s disposition. But how about something as subtle as finger placement?

Stateside’s Cyndy Canty spoke with Michael Lempert, a linguistic anthropologist at the University of Michigan, about what these minute gestures convey.

According to Lempert, a candidate is a combination of meticulously crafted elements.

“Not just speech but also gesture, comportment, clothing even hairstyle. Any of these materials can be treated as revelatory, as windows onto who the candidates really are,” said Lempert.

Politics of Language (Part 3)

Jennifer White and Mercedes Mejia — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:32:42 +0000

This week we are talking about the politics of language. In the third part of our series we examine how internet technology is being used to disseminate those political catch phrases and messages we all hear and quickly repeat.

Cliff Lampe is assistant professor in the School of Information at the University of Michigan. He says politicians are using social media to their advantage.

Politics of Language (Part 2)

Jennifer White and Mercedes Mejia — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:14:59 +0000

Today we continue our series on political language. In part one we spoke to a linguist about the power of language and the effect it has on our view of world. In part two, we’re going to look more closely at the political strategy behind language use. Michigan Radio's Jennifer White talks with Craig Ruff, senior policy fellow at Public Sector Consultants. Don't forget to check out the extended audio below.

Language is being used more strategically in politics than it has been in the past. Ruff says:

Politics of Language (Part 1)

Jennifer White and Mercedes Mejia — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:37:56 +0000

Political rhetoric can be confusing and combative. We hear lots of political phrases that we quickly find absorbed into our everyday conversations. But what influence do these powerful words and phrases have on us? Over the next few days we’ll be taking a look at the politics of language. In part one of our series Michigan Radio's Jennifer White talks with Dr. Sarah Thomason, Chair of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Michigan.