Why dictionaries are not the final authority on human identity
In short: Language is a living, fluid system rather than a static set of rules. This talk explores how linguistic evolution naturally moves toward inclusion and why rigid adherence to traditional grammar can be exclusionary.
Sociolinguist Archie Crowley deconstructs the myth that dictionaries and grammar rules are the ultimate arbiters of meaning. Instead, he argues that language is a dynamic tool that adapts to the needs of its speakers. By understanding this fluidity, we can see how linguistic shifts are not 'errors' but necessary evolutions that allow for greater social inclusion.
The presentation specifically highlights how these rigid perceptions can negatively impact the transgender community. By reframing language as an evolving social contract rather than a fixed monument, Crowley provides a framework for understanding how we communicate identity in a changing world.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Archie Crowley: Language around gender and identity evolves (and always has)
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