The Impact of Word Choice on Communication
Explore the complexities of word choice and its influence on communication through various lenses such as personal experiences, cultural contexts, and generational differences. Delve into the nuances of language and how selecting the right words can enhance understanding and build connections in diverse settings.
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What's In a Name? Presented at the Online Peer Workforce Conference, January 31, 2024 By Dr. Sine Rofofsky, Part-time Reference Librarian at SUNY Schenectady Community College and Provisionally Certified Peer Specialist
Why This Session? Personal experiences Personal research/presentations Interactions with others
Terms Change Over Time As They Might Be Giants have said (sang): Istanbul was Constantinople Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople... Every gal in Constantinople Live in Istanbul, not Constantinople So if you've a date in Constantinople She'll be waiting in Istanbul... Even old New York was once New Amsterdam Why they changed it I can't say People just liked it better that way
The English Language!?!? The beauty of English is we have so many options on what word to choose. One of the downfalls is it is hard to know which word someone else finds easier to handle and which might trigger them. o Sometimes it's cultural and sometimes a different vocabulary or regional usage. o Sometimes it might be that a specific word brings up bad memories.
Food for Thought Does it matter if you are going to the doctor or the cardiologist? Is a meeting the same as an appointment? Do you use a schedule, a plan, or a timetable? When you see a person at the front of the classroom, what name makes you feel welcome and open to learning and what makes you shiver in your shoes?
Who Are You? Being called Johnny is very different than Jonathan David Smith Being called (or calling someone) Mr./Ms. is different than Dr. and both are different than calling someone by their first name. oWhen I see my therapist, she is Jane (pseudonym) oWhen I see my psychiatrist, he is Dr. Jones (pseudonym)
What Might Impact Word Choice? While each person is different, there are some general categories of impacts on word choice oAge / Generation oCulture oPrimary language oFamiliarity with the term oContext Where and when the term is being used oEducation level
I Can Say This, BUT You Can't Sometimes, people will refer to themselves, or a place they need to go, or anything else, by one term. However, if you use that same term, they will be triggered. If you hear someone using a term that you are not familiar with, ask for clarification and usage For example, I am on the autism spectrum, specifically Asperger's. I don't mind calling myself an 'aspie' but I really don't like other people calling me that. What are some examples you have experienced?
Language Choice Goes Both Ways What if a term a peer uses is a trigger for you? How do you address this so you both are comfortable?
What Can I Do? Paying attention to preferred language and recognizing cues to maybe try a synonym is important But just as important is being open to terms you haven't heard before or used in that way One should try to have a base of synonyms to draw upon in the moment, through research, experience, and discussion with others, including the peer themselves And, most importantly ask the peer what term THEY prefer
Contact Dr. Sine Rofofsky, Part-time Reference Librarian at SUNY Schenectady Community College and Provisionally Certified Peer Specialist Sinerofofsky@gmail.com
