SSL-S5E11 - Dr. Kelly Wright

Description: This episode of Some Stutter, Luh! podcast welcomes Dr. Kelly Wright, an experimental social linguist and scholar-activist, who identifies as a Black, biracial, queer woman. She discusses her work on linguistic justice, focusing on how language ideologies impact marginalized communities, particularly Black individuals. Dr. Wright's key message is that language reflects our whole selves, and acknowledging this can foster more inclusive and understanding environments. Notes: Dr. Wright delves into how societal expectations around "standard" language use often exclude and stigmatize individuals who communicate differently. Her research examines how these biases manifest in various contexts, from professional settings to sports journalism, where Black athletes, for instance, are often described in animalistic or stereotypical terms compared to their white counterparts. She believes individuals navigate multiple marginalized identities, such as being Black, queer, or a person with a disability, and these identities impact their daily interactions and opportunities. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces where people can express their authentic selves without fear of judgment or exclusion. She advocates for recognizing and celebrating linguistic diversity, emphasizing that language is deeply tied to identity and should not be constrained by rigid standards. Dr. Wright emphasizes the importance of policy-driven research aimed at identifying and dismantling linguistic barriers, advocating for more inclusive practices at institutional and governmental levels.